





iiil 



IS CO AN PERCY 





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AN ILLUMINATED 
WAY 

A^'n or iii:k pulms 

HY 

FRANCES COAN PERCY 




i^ o s r o N 
RICHARD (i. BADGER 

1907 



Copyright, 1 907, by Frances Coan Percy 
All Rights Reserved 



Two C*9^ Rewivod 

DEC 27 i90f 

COPY B, 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S, A. 



TO 

MY SON 

RICHARD TRUMAN PERCY 



CONTENTS 










PACE 


/In IllutJiinatid Ifdy ..... 9 


Thr- Ll^ht 










10 


Occasional Tuition 










1 1 


Our Ht-rita^t' 










12 


Trdtis figuration 










13 


Ilunum Ministry 










16 


Coveted Heights 










18 


In Lowly H ays 










19 


The Repose of Faith 










20 


Arcana 










21 


Children of the King 










22 


Holy Light . 










23 


The New Tear 










24 


The Heaven-Sent T is ion 










25 


Immortality 










26 


Divine Attunement 










27 


Shekinah 










28 


Rest 










29 


Trailing Arbutus 










30 


Bow of Promise 










31 


Amid Nature's Scenes 










.1^ 


Reio^'ery 










B 


fVhere Nature Reigns 










35 


Among the Hills 










37 


My Tree 










38 


The Christian Life 










3Q 


Falling Leaves 










40 



Contents 



PAGE 



The Last Message of the Leaves 






41 


Flowers of Christmastide 






42 


Something to he Thankful for 






. 43 


Aspiration .... 






45 


Consolation 








46 


While I Wait .... 








47 


Thanksgiving Day 








48 


Recompense 








49 


Renewed Revelation 








50 


Thanksgiving 








51 


An Unforeseen Harvest 








52 


Christmastide 








54 


Christmas Carol 








55 


Christ is Come 








. 56 


The Day Spring 








57 


The Birthday of the King 








. 58 


Christmas Hymn 








59 


For Christ's Sake 








. 60 


A Christmas Message 








. 62 


The Mourner s Christmas 








. 64 


Easter Carol 








65 


Oases .... 








66 


Where Christ Leads 








. 67 


Good Friday 








. 68 


Test of Discipleship 








69 


Beginning to Live 








. 70 


Easter Hymn 








72 


Easter Lilies 








• 73 



Contents 

Lift up your Hearts 

Easter 

My Cotninii f^ e<iltli 

Our Daily BreiiJ 

/ I sited by Co J 

For Craee of Speei h 

lit Kwmeth T/uni that Trust in Hi 

I, Look to Thee 

Joy of the Invincible 

Evening 

At His Footstool 

Morning Prayer 

The Still Hour 

Turned to the Light 

In the Secret of His Presence 

The Near Presence 

Answered 

A Prayer of Prayers 

Consecration 

In Covenant with God 

The Omnipresent 

The Sparrows 

From Faith to Knowledge 

God Our Refuge 

The Eternal Refuge 

Etiduring as Seeing the Invisible 

A New Pay 

A Leave-Taking 



PAGE 



74 



7^> 
77 
7« 
79 
8o 
8i 
82 

83 
84 

85 
86 

87 
88 

89 
90 

91 
9i 
93 
94 
94 

95 
96 

97 
98 

Q9 
100 



Contents 

PAGE 

Recompense Divine 102 

A Mission Still 103 

The Master Revealed 105 

The Master s Answer 106 

God*s Almoners 107 

Sabbath 108 

A Prayer 109 

Mission of a Flower 110 

Requiting Attainment Ill 

Thy Will be done 112 

Not Alone 113 

Ever to Remember II5 

The Passing of the Singer . . . .116 
On the Stormy Sea . . . . -117 

Victory over Death I18 

To One Departed 1 19 

After the Storm 120 

Courage to the End 12 1 

Post Meridiem 122 



.IN ILLUMINATED IVAT 



AN ILLUMINAIKI) WAY 

Oh. life is worth liviti!^ upnn this earth. 
Though thi- storms will conu-, ami loss and dearth, 
And dread hours ot ilark and hitter tears. 
For yet, throuj^h the course of the chanceful years, 
There is more of pleasure hefalls tlian pain. 
There is more ot sunshine hestowed than rain, 
There are pleamin<:;s ot cheer in every day. 
There are some things beautiful all the way; — 
Sweet, human kindness found everywhere, 
Unnumhered delights het;uilin<; of care. 
Dear comt'orts divine for achinp hearts. 
Allaying halms for the stings and smarts. 
Some noble work for each one to do. 
Some hi^h essaying all life's journey through. 
An immortal hope tor the battied soul, 
A pledge of a sure, eternal goal. 
The shield of faith for each storm and night. 
And o'er all, through all, — God's fadeless Light. 



THE LIGHT 

They that sat in darkness saw great light; 
They that dwelt in regions gloomed of death, 
Unto tjfiem transcendent light sprang up. 

'Twas th6 light of the Eternal One, 

All ineffable, all glorious, 

Shining upon mortals through the Christ. 

In that light was joy so radiant. 
Darkness, vanquished, fled from it afar, 
Sorrow, baffled, stole away ashamed. 

In that light was life, that so transformed 
The dread region of the vale of death, 
All its terrors vanished utterly. 

In that light was vision so complete. 

Full revealed appeared the heavenward way, 

Beautiful with glad beatitudes. 

And to themVho saw that wondrous light 
Was made known that if they held their hearts 
Ever steadfastly upturned to it. 

Never more should they in darkness sit, 
Never more of shadows be afraid 
In the region of the vale of death, 

For that light would aye with joying beams 
Lead them up the beatific steeps 
Till they reach the everlasting heights, 



lo 



Whirr the fiillcsf Rlory of that li^ln 

SI1.1II illiiiiu- tlutii aiul shall seal tlum safe, 

Kvcrmorc, troin ilaikiuss aiul liom death. 



Arul with that haptisni they shall pass 

From the hnite to the inhnite. 

All transfigured with the Ii<;ht tor aye. 



OCCASIONAL TUITION 

While we have need — life's mission to fulfill - 
Each hour to learn of Him to whom alone 
The methods of the perfect way are known, 

We seek Him only in some hour of ill. 

Or hrief inclining of our wayward will, 
And go away illumed; but, all too prone 
To follow faulty methods of our own. 

Forget the teaching and the Teacher, till 

In some weak hour we meet with overthrow 
Attempting unillumed to walk, and then 

Back to that ever-patient Guide we go, 
Entreating humbly to be taught again; 

Yet aye we miss the excellence they show 
Who alway in His tutoring remain. 



II 



OUR HERITAGE 

Alway for us does light divine 
Fadeless, serene, transporting shine; 
Why ever turn we from its rays 
And v^alk in unillumined wrays ? 

Alv^ay the heavenly feast is spread, — 
The living v^ine, the living bread; 
Why do we weak and fainting go. 
Or thirst or hunger ever know ? 

Oh, blind and slow of heart are we, 
Who fail our present Lord to see, 
And haste not fully to embrace 
The blessings of His love and grace. 

Did we in measure that we may 
Take of His bounty day by day. 
What heavenly joys were ever ours, 
What measureless, exalted powers. 

O heirs of God! rise to the height 
Of your vast heritage of light! 
Receive in its full blessedness 
The wondrous birthright ye possess. 

All things are yours since ye are His, 
Who Maker, King, Preserver is; 
Draw freely from His boundless store, 
And joy and triumph evermore. 



12 



TRANSFIGURATION 

AIdhc within the forest dark 

The dwarfed v'ounp baron strayed. 

And — pliiniud in bitterness of soul — 
Sore lamentation made. 

** Creator of the heautiful, 
\\ hy was I made ?" he cried, 

" Why do I cuml^er so this earth 
Where all is fair beside ? 

" A man in years, a man in will. 

In stature but a child, 
In shape distorted, hideous, 

Fit but to be reviled. 

" What place have I amoni: mankind ? 

What joy is there for me ? 
I cannot bear this baleful life. 

Oh, let it ended be." 

Swift to his inner consciousness 
A presence sweet drew near, 

And a soft voice of tenderness 
Smote on his inner ear. 

" Oh, mortal all astray," it spoke, 
" Oh, faint and foolish heart! 

Know'st not that of the man, the flesh 
Is but a petty part ? 



13 



" It is the spirit — not the flesh 
That constitutes the man, — 

That mars or beautifies the Hfe,- 
'Tis that alone that can. 



" Joy that thy body need not house 
A dwarfed, misshapen soul; 

Joy that a Hfe all beautiful 
May yet become thy goal. 

" 'Tis thine to make thy soul attain 

A beauty all divine, 
A stature noble, and a shape 

Of heavenly design. 

" Each noble deed or v^ord shall make 

Thy soul in stature grow, 
Each noble thought within thee born 

Shall added grace bestow. 



" This is the mission of thy life — 
The work assigned to thee, — 

To triumph o'er the flesh and prove 
The soul's supremacy. 



And this, if thou fulfill it well, 
Shall seem the more divine 

Achieved with all the hindrances 
Of that dwarfed form of thine. 



14 



Rouse thcc apace to thy hi^h task! 
The time is not too lon^ — 
Hasten to make thy soul ^row lar^c 
Aiul he.iutihil ami strong. 

" So shall thy lite appear devised 

Upon the nohlest plan 
And tor the joy of Heaven he. 

And tor the lii^ht ot man." 

The storm within the haron's heart 

To calm had ^iven place; 
He turned and trom the torest passed 
With a transtii^ured tace. 

And trom his eyes shone forth the li<;ht 

Of an illumined soul 
As on he sped, intent to <;ain 

His nianhooil's liit;hest j;oal. 



15 



HUMAN MINISTRY 

To all that walk the ways of earth — 
Of noble or of humble birth — 
Belongs a power of priceless worth, 

Divinely given, 

Beloved of Heaven. 

A power beautiful indeed. 

To help their fellows in their need, 

The hunger of their souls to feed. 

And make less dreary 

Lives sad and weary. 

By little things that cost not much — 
A kindly word, a look, a touch. 
Thus sunny gleams to bring to such 

As lack life's sweetness 

In its completeness. 

Yet o'er earth's pathways, high and low 
Do mortals hungry, fainting go. 
For what their fellows might bestow 

Their hearts to lighten. 

Their days to brighten. 

Not pitiless are all, nor cold. 

Yet all unthinkingly withhold 

Much they might give more dear than gold, 

To spirits weary 

With burdens dreary. 



i6 



No (iiu- his tillow's luart may read. 
Or know tin- nuasurt o( his need, 
Or number those who inly bleed 
Yet smiling cover 
I hen heait-wounds over. 



And none there are ot all that live 
That live not better to receive 
The pleasant things that all may give 

Ot helpful power 

In ever) hour. 



The kindly look and word and smile. 
How mighty are they to beguile. 
And make earth's otten weary while 
Not w boll)' cheerless. 
Though never tearless. 



Alas, the man\' that remain 
In spirit hunger and in pain. 
And wait and long and pine in vain 

For such revealing 

or fellow-feelinfi:- 



O mortals, freely give of such. 

The cheering word, the smile, the touch 

That nothing cost, that belji so much 

Sad hearts to lighten. 

Dark hours to brighten. 



'7 



COVETED HEIGHTS 

Ambitious that our lives shall be 

Noble to view, 
We plan to tread some path that leads 
To lofty heights, and great, good deeds 

Resolve to do. 

And if all vain our efforts prove 

To v^alk those v^ays 
And do those deeds, in sad lament 
And bitter, idle discontent 

We spend our days. 

While near us many duties lie 

We might fulfill. 
Which, as they seem to us so small. 
We blindly fail to do at all, 
Or do them ill. 

Forgetting that the God v^e serve 

Sees not as man. 
And that in His omniscient viev^ 
We shall do nobly if vs^e do 

The best we can; 

And that the lowly paths we scorn. 

If trod aright. 
To some far loftier peak may wind — 
In His regard — than that we find 

Beyond our might. 



i8 



To scorn or slight no worthy task 

However small, — 
10 tlo the httle that we may 
In a coiueiucd. |)crfcit way, 

Cjutl help us all. 



So shall oui lives though luiiiihU lived 

He not in vain. 
So shall our spirits heaveiuvard rise. 
And nohle heights that touch the skies 

Surely attain. 



IN LOWLY WAYS 

Oh, sorrow nor, my soul, nor idle he, 

I'houj^h nt) threat thin«;s are <i;iven thee to do, 
rhou»;h ni this strivin<; world thou passest 
through 
Thv path alont; the lowly ways must be, 
AntI thy achievements hut the few can see: — 
Ihou^^h only He in whose omniscient view 
None lives but may tulHll some mission true. 
Knows if thy life be one of victory; 
Oh, hasten to perform without delay 

Thy part, in thankful and contented mood; 
Do what thou mayest, in a perfect way, 

1 hy sole ambition that the Master n;ood. 
When thou hast passed on earth thy latest day. 
May say ol thee. " She has done what she could." 



>9 



THE REPOSE OF FAITH 

Confiding to omniscient care 
Each great and small concern, 

Immeasureable peacefulness 
Our trusting spirits learn. 



Unharassed by perplexing fears, 
Untroubled by dismay, 

Serene and satisfied we walk 
Our designated way. 



We harbor no foreboding thoughts, 
We dread no adverse fate, 

But all life's diverse happenings 
Unanxiously await. 



With an unruflfled calm we face 
The frequent storms we meet. 

With cheerful resignation bear 
Our cherished hopes' defeat. 



Assured that naught can have the power 

To work for ill to those 
Who in God's infinite embrace 

Their destinies repose. 



20 



ARCANA 

Oh, blcssi-d tlu V who propinp here 

Have frit for (Jod aiul found Him, 
And breathe thi- hcavrnlv atmosphere 

Of light aiul joN around Him; 
The\- enter in the secret place 

Of Him, the great Kternal, 
And from His fuhuss they receive 

Ot things divine, supernal. 

They feel His presence infinite 

Surround them and enfold them. 
They teel His love omnipotent 

In tender mercy hold them; 
So touched h\- Him, breathed on by Him, 

His mighty forces thrill them, 
His calm deep streams of strength and peace 

F'low into them and fill them. 

Uplifted and beatified 

They rise to joys of Heaven, 
They know the things unspeakable 

To them that love Him given. 
They sec His mysteries sublime 

Unfolding to their vision. 
They hear celestial harmonies 

And taste delights elysian. 

They only know who find Thee, Lord, 

The comforts which Thou givest. 
The sweet arcana measureless 

Of them in whom Thou livest. 
Increasing in them more and more 

Till soul from flesh shall sever. 
And Thou in thy full perfectness 

Shalt stand revealed forever. 
21 



CHILDREN OF THE KING 

Children of the King of kings, 

As ye walk your earthly way, 
Do ye bear you royally 

And your noble birth betray ? 
Do ye walk in love to all, 

As your Lord and King decrees. 
Serving others for His sake. 

Seeking not yourselves to please r 
Are ye gentle, merciful. 

Slow to wrath, quick to forgive ? 
Do ye make some fellow-souls 

Happier because ye live ? 
Are ye pure in heart and life. 

With the beauty of the King — 
Speaking no unrighteous word, 

Doing no unrighteous thing ? 
Do ye bravely, nobly bear 

Every sorrow, every loss, 
Triumphing o'er grief and pain. 

Taught of Him who bore the cross. 
Singing to your God and King 

Thankful praises as ye go, 
Filled with the sweet peace He gives 

And the joys His children know ? 

Ah, if so ye walk your way, 

No insignia ye need 
Clearly to proclaim yourselves 

Children of the King indeed, 
For your likeness unto Him 

In such heavenly graces shown, 
All unerringly reveals 

That ye are in truth His own. 
22 



() HOLY LIGHT 

Oholv Li^ht, C)hli.sscd Li^ht! 

That tVoni tlu- heights divine, 
Upon our desert darkness luii- 

\\ ith gladdenin^^ rays dost shine! 
New lite, new strength, new joyfulness 

Come to us with thy heanis, 
1 he sonihre houis illunnned are, 

And earth hke Heaven seems. 



C) wondrous, never-dyin^ Li^ht! 

Led by 'Ihv j^uidinj; rays, 
lind()uhtin«i, undismayed we walk 

Lite's grievous, thorny ways; 
By Thee transti^ured they appear 

With mercy flooded o'er. 
And leadini!; upward to the joys 
1 hat h\e torevermore. 

Shine ever on us, heaven!)' Li»;ht, 

And till us more with 1 hce. 
Till clothed with tadeless flowers of grace 

Our barren hearts shall be; 
Shine on us, beatitic Lis^ht, 

Lill night be passed away. 
And tor our ransomed souls shall dawn 

The endless, peifect day. 



*3 



THE NEW YEAR 

O longing soul, athirst for joy, 

With confidence and hopeful cheer 
Receive the promise-bright New Year; 

Shrink not from it with doubt or dread, — 
It brings new opportunity, 
New pathways to delight for thee. 

Regard no more thy vanished joys 

With life-depressing, vain regret; 

The storms of bygone days forget, 
Let the dark past be wholly past; 

Doubt not the New Year's power to bless, 

Believe in coming happiness. 

Yet stand not still and wait for joy; 
The highest good comes not unsought. 
The highest joy is only brought 

By search that holds a paradox — 
'Tis soonest found and perfected 
When other ends are sought instead. 

Seek earnestly thy fellow's joy; 

With purpose eager, constant, kind, 
Strive faithfully the way to find 

To bring to all within thy reach 

Some brightness, lacking but for thee. 
Some sweetness through thy ministry. 

Search for the best, completest way 
To use thy powers great and small, 
Though only He who seeth all 

May know if thou succeed or fail; 



24 



So slialf thou tiiul most surely thine, 
Joys nicasureless. sujucnu', divine. 

So shall a door that none can shut 
Be opened tor thy heart apace 
To the illiniital>le space 

Where (loil unlokls His hidden thinj;s 
To those who seek to do His will 
And His hi^h purposes fulfill. 



TlIK UK WEN-SENT VISION 

\\ In n \vi- in sonic still, solemn moment gaze 
Dow II the potential vista of life's ways, 
We see in vision radiantly clear 
Our soul's high possihilities appear. 

C) mortal! dost thou deem that vision bright 
But a mirage of thy deluded sight, 
1 hat thou apace dost turn from it away 
Nor lettest it within thy memory stay ? 

Know that it is of Heaven sent to thee 
Revealing what thy life was meant to be; — 
1 h', all too unaspiring soul to fire 
W ith strong, pursuant passion of desire. 

Oh, to the radiant vision. Heaven-sent, 
Be wholly, joyf ull\- obedient. 
And tarry not, lest swiftly come the hour 
When thy still eager will no more has power. 



IMMORTALITY 

By all the powers that within me live 

I know I cannot perish utterly. 

By all the faculties that I possess 

That dwarfed and crippled are for want of scope, — 

By all the fettered forces in me pent, 

Contending, agonizing to be free 

To reach their utmost possibilities, — 

By all the thoughts that in me surge and swell, 

And struggle futilely for utterance 

Through the weak medium of mortal speech, — 

By all the hunger growing more and more 

My inmost being, daily, hourly knows 

That only the unseen can satisfy, — 

By all of these and more than these, I know. 

Though voice of revelation silent were, 

My life ends not when fails this mortal breath. 

Shall things insensate made by mortal hands, — 

The monuments upreared by skill of man — 

For ages upon ages still endure, 

And I, whose power of thought can reach to Heaven 

And hold within its grasp the universe 

lyive but the few unsatisfying years 

Allotted here to man upon this earth ? 

Shall I, by God the uncreated made, 

Endued with life from Him — the life of all — 

I, of mankind — His greatest, noblest work — 

Endure no longer than some petty thing 

That has been fashioned by created man ? 

Nay, all the powers that within me live 

With confidence declare it shall not be; 



26 



And chief, the Vf)icc that speaks in us from God 
Plot lainis most clearly, " I hou shalt live for aye; 
Thou art pone out from me and canst not die. 
Because I live thou livest eveimore." 



DIMNL Al ILNKMLNl 

For others and itself each huni:in hcirt harh power 
to give 
Diviner, gladder music than do songful hirds of 
June; 
Hut 'ncarh rlu- lua\cnly Master's constant touch 
the heart must live. 
To make sweet music alwa)s and he never out of 
tune. 



^7 



SHEKINAH 

Had not such heavy darkness come to me, 

So deep, so all-involving, that no ray 
Of human brightness could the black gloom pierce 

Or its sore grievousness in aught allay, 
I had not known such shining in my soul 

Of Him whose beams turn midnight into day. 
And whose transforming, heavenly light 
Irradiated my dark night. 

Had I not known such bitterness so dire 

That all of human sweets seemed lost in it 
As if they were not nor had ever been, 

I had not known the sweetness infinite 
Brought with the presence of that Shining One, 
Who softly beamed into my soul and lit 
With tender, beatific light 
The deeply dark and bitter night. 

Oh, blessed darkness, that to me revealed 

In such glad wise that wondrous Light divine; 
Oh, blessed bitterness, whereby there came 

Such heavenly sweetness to this heart of mine 
When that so radiant One beamed through the 
gloom 
And made the dark with starry comforts shine, 
Transfiguring with His soft light 
The sombre and so bitter night. 

O Thou, who so didst glorify my night, 

In quick compassion for my anguished prayer. 

My grateful heart now rests in steadfast trust 
That naught can come to me I cannot bear 



28 



Of (larkni-ss or ol bittirntss henceforth. 

For 1 hou, () Shining One, 'Ihou wilt he there, 
And Thou wilt make the darkness h^ht, 
riu- hitti 1 sweet, in each dark ni^ht. 



RKSl 

1 Khiews iv. ^ 

Oh, not alone w iihin the pates of Heaven 
Can rest he found, endurin*:. infinite, 

It is the portion sweet to mortals «;iven. 
Who trustfiillv to (Jod their all commit. 

In His eternal love and miL;lu believing. 

And His compassion for the soul distressed, 
His promises in perfect faith receiving];. 
They come to Him and enter into rest. 

To His omniscient, tender care confidin<^ 

The heavy burdens of their feais and woes, 
In His embrace by day and nii;ht abidinj^. 
They hnd secure, inett'abic repose. 

W hile so in linn tlu\- have their habitation. 

The victorv o'er care and sorrow won. 
They see the dawnini: of n new creation. 

And know th.it lle.i\en is foi tluni bt !;un. 



29 



TRAILING ARBUTUS 

Arbutus, thee I greet 

Fair messenger of spring! 
New hope, new promise sweet 

Does thy dear advent bring; 
A blessed influence 

Comes to my heart with thee, 
A glad, exalting sense 

Of brighter things to be, 
A revelation new 

Of life's deep mysteries, 
Its forces hid from view, 

Its silent victories. 
Dear, lowly, fragrant flower, 

That gemmest the dark earth ! 
The same Almighty power 

That gave to thee thy birth. 
And through thy covering 

Of leaves sombre and dead, 
Made thee with glad upspring 

To lift thy lovely head, 
Can give the might to me, 

Through every cumb'ring weight. 
To rise triumphantly 

To a more noble fate, — 
From every darksome power 

Escaping to the light. 
Unfolding every hour 

New grace, new joy, new might; 
And haply so, like thee. 

Some effluence to give, 
That other lives may be 

More blest because I live. 



30 



Il with pii\ ailing power 
riu nussa^cs irniain 

W itiiiii inv luart. drai Howcr, 
1 liou hast not lived in vain. 



HOW ()!• I'kO.MISF 

( ) ( lull, oiii ]• atlu I tluoiud above. 
Our stion;; l^ioteetoi da\ anil nii^ht, 

I low could we live without 1 In' love. 
How could we walk witiiout 1 In li^ht. 

()'(.! all flu- sorrows that we meet 

1 hou ^ivest us the victor\', 
\\ hile sure ot lln' compassion sweet 
\\ e lilt our stieaniini;eyes to Thee. 

The ra\s ofiln' transcendent lii^ht 
Shme on our swittK' tallini:; tears, 

Antl lo! I h\ how of promise hrii^ht 
Across our clouded sk\ a|i|iears. 

I In how ot promise! Oh, the li^ht 

( )t hope, ot joy, in it we sec, 
Foretelling Heaven's glories bright. 

Where storms forever past shall he; — 

I'Orever past our daiksome days, 

\\ hen we shall dwell tor aye with Thee 

And with Thy pure immediate ra\s 
Shall he illumed eternally. 



V 



AMID NATURE'S SCENES 

I praise Thee, Father, that the joy divine 

Is given me. 
These marvelous and mighty works of Thine 

A v^^hile to see. 

If within walls that lately shut me in 

Thou seemed anear, 
How my glad soul with sense to sight akin 

Discerns Thee here. 

I view the wonders which Thy hand hath wrought 

In earth and sky, 
And ever present is the blissful thought 

That Thou art nigh. 

I feast my soul upon the glories bright 

That meet my gaze. 
And wholly is my being filled with light. 

And songful praise. 

No more the grievous doubts and fears I meet 

That vexed me so. 
But trust and peace unutterably sweet 

Alone I know. 

Dear Lord, may this glad consciousness of Thee 

That joys me here, 
Remain when these Thy wondrous works, to me 

No more appear; 

And so uplift my soul that never more 

May enter in. 
Doubt of Thy tender love's protecting power, 

Or fear, or sin. 



32 



RFCOVFRV 

(/;; tlit'Ofun Cotuxtry) 

A piisoiu I srt fill! 

C) plorious liberty! 
Unloosened from the fretting chains, 
E mancipateil Ironi the pains 
'I'hiit In III me in capiivit\' 
A nil hill the heaiitilul hum me. 



W hat womlroiis )(n' is this, 

\\ hat leiompensin^ hiiss! 
Foil! \N.ills i\(.hanj:;ed tor boundless space, 
Ihicheeiful scenes tor Nature's face, 
The ceilini:; low that barred ni)' eyes, 
I'oi (hi- uiitatiiomabli- skies! 



Is this world that I see 
The same 'twas wont to be ? 
Or have I some new <;if"t of'siuht. 
Some new divinely ^uidin^ li^ht, 
Revealin*:; as a riad surprise 
Creation in its real [;uise r 

Hathed is the whole in slum 

Aforetime all unseen; 
Am 1 still mortal ? Is this earth ? 
Has come to it or me new birth ? 
Or are thin<^s mundane past for me, 
And is this Paradise I see ? 



li 



Voices unheard of old 

Have all that I behold, 
Speaking in language to my ear 
All strange, yet marvelously clear. 
But powerless I by word or sign 
To give it utterance of mine. 

From all in earth and skies 

Unceasingly arise 
Glad symphonies all heavenly sweet, 
That never mortals may repeat. 
Yet echoes from my raptured heart 
Give them in me a counterpart. 

O may the happy power 
Born in this golden hour — 
The power to find in all I see, 
New grace, new beauty — grow in me, 
Until I reach that heavenly sphere 
Where still diviner things appear. 



34 



W III RK W'lTRK KKKINS 

Far tVoin tlu- city's noise aiul stiitr. 
Far from the Inisy stcius ot lite, 
I rest iin Nvcarv l)rain and fuait 
Where juacetiil Nafuii- iti;.Mis ajiart. 

(Iraiul, countless hills around me rise 
All <;l()ri()us in summer ^uisc; 
1 he tra^Mant w<)(»ds and Helds are ni^h, 
And hnj^hl ahove me smiles the sky! 

So lair is all to everv sense, 
So marvelous its inHuence 
1 he heai t from every care to win. 
It seems to Paradise akin. 

The trees whose thick-least il hiatulus spread 
Their grateful shade ahove my head, 
\\ hisper ot (lod's protectini:; care 
Slmldin!.; from all one could not hear. 

1 he hills that rise around me tell 
God's love and power immutahle. 
Surrounding mortals nii;ht and day. 
And stroni^hulds tor their hearts tor aye. 

The sky ahovc, serene and hri^ht. 
Breathes ot (iod's womlrous peace and lii;lu. 
And sunset splendors prophesy 
Ot glories veiled trom mortal eye. 



35 



voice of God, that speak'st to me 
In all the beauty that I see, 
Speak to me still when far away 

1 need thy succor, as to-day. 

O peace of God, whose comforts fill 
My spirit here, be with me still 
When vexing cares again essay 
To draw my heart from peace away. 

O light of God, that shinest here 
Upon my heart divinely clear, 
Still brightly beam for me, I pray. 
When from these glorious scenes I stray. 

That I no more may darkness know, 
And richly in my heart may grow 
Henceforth new graces and new powers, 
Born in these radiant, blessed hours. 



36 



AMONC ini HILLS 

Lord, as Thy works suhlinu- ofiaith ;iiul sky 

Our ca^cr I'Vis tiH;i|>niiiil sir, 
With recognition \i\:n.\ that Thou art ni^h, 

Apace our luaits ^o out to 1 hci-. 

Out from thf harassiuj^ coiutiiis of earth 

To 'I'hy divine tran<|uihty. 
Out from all sense of human loss ami iLaith 

To fhr transportnii; sense of i lue. 

1 hee manifest in all that 1 liou hast made. 

All, palpitant with lite of 1 hiiie. 
All, eloijuent of Thy creative thought, 
I hv mii^htv purposes hem«^n. 

All, softly breathing; messages full clear 

From Thee, O crlver of all <^ood. 
Sweetly unfolding to the listeninu; ear 

The secrets of 1 hy fatherhood. 

\\ e wuh hushed hearts would hearken faithfully 

10 Lhy creation's utterance. 
And lose not aui^ht its voices tell of 1 hee 

And I In unfailing providence. 

I hat when constranucl to turn ourselves once more 

lo earth's tumultuous affairs. 
It shall not he to hattle as before 

Wuh unillununed griefs and cares. 

Hut life shall hence irradiated he, 

.And toils and ills transformed appear, 

PVom the revealing to our hearts of Thee — 

Through these Lh) works — vouchsafed us here. 



37 



MY TREE 



Through all the length of summer's beauteous reign. 

One graceful tree 
Has given in its bright attractive dress 
The only glimpse of Nature's loveliness 

Vouchsafed to me. 



But ah, how grateful for this blessed glimpse 

My heart has been! 
With what delight have I its charms surveyed, 
Its sunlit, wind-tossed leaves, its light and shade, 

Its emerald sheen. 



Above my roof its branching arms it spreads 

Protectingly, 
And with its foliage dense and towering form 
Alike from burning sun and raging storm 

Has sheltered me. 

And oft in hours of solitude it seems 

To speak to me 
Of One unseen, who ever near me stands. 
And will all needful pain, with loving hands, 

Avert from me. 

But now my tree a new, more gorgeous dress 

Begins to wear; 
A sign, alas, that what so charms my eye 
Must all too soon fall to the o;round and die 

And leave it bare. 



38 



'^'it tli()Ui',h its lovrliiicss dcpaits, its foiiii 

Shall still he dear. 
In mcni'ry ot its ^racc and luauty flown, 
In iMatitudr toi all that it has done 

M\ luait to cluer. 



Till CIlRlSriAN 1 IFF 

Ciiant iiK, ( ) C'hiist, the- hUssiil power 
To keep hetoie nie every hour, 
Tliy lite ot'saciihee complete. 
Tin piecepts jnire, exalted, sweet; 
To lead n\c so to nohlei ways. 
To lift me so to higher praise; 
Mv dearest hope and aim to he 
To live the life approved ot \ hee. 

() llolv leaeher, peiteet (Iiiide! 

Alwav in Thee may 1 a hide; 

No streni;th, no ^raee apart trom '1 hee 

Have I Tin tollower to he; 

In Thee ahidin*; da\' hy day. 

Thy laws ot love may I ohey; 

Thy jov enduring, heavenlN , i:ain. 

Thy everlasting; peace attain. 



39 



FALLING LEAVES 

Oh, gently falling, dying leaves, 
To part with you my spirit grieves, 
Your changing beauty ever bright. 
Has given me such pure delight. 

When I v^as v^eary, lonely, sad. 

You charmed my sight and made me glad; 

You formed a picture rare for me 

And cheered me in my poverty. 

But now November's chilly breath 
Has doomed you all at last to death; 
I watch you falling one by one, 
And mourn your charming life is done. 

But ere you perish utterly. 

In hues still lovelier to see 

You joy my wondering, lingering gaze, 

And glorify your latest days. 

Oh, swiftly falling, dying leaves, 
Your fleeting life a lesson gives: — 
Our days are also briefly told, 
We too must feel life's wintry cold. 

Would we might sweetly, purely live, 
Some happiness to others give; 
Would, as we yearly older grow, 
Our hearts might some new beauty show, 

And life's declining, closing days 
Be luminous with virtue's rays. 
Leaving a record fair to see, 
A never-fading memory. 



40 



nil I \Sr MKSSAGE OF THE LEAVES 

bcauiiliil leaves! I'lDin your tailicst hour 
Dear messages oft yc have whispered to me. 

Aye Messing my heart with the iinstical power 
And marvelous clieer ot your hrit;ht ministry; 
() heaufitul leaves — so soon to depart — 

Aijain to me whisper one last message sweet 
10 s^laddeii my lite ami strengthen my heart 
Eie voiceless and dead ye drop at my (vet, 
\\ hisper it now to me, whisper it low, 
\\ hispt r It ([uickly, tor soon ) e must ^o. 

As it *t were a voice t'lom the skies it shall he. 
And sacreil and diar as the farewell of friends; 

Then hasten to whisper it tjuickly to me, 

Kre the moment shall come when your Heetinj; 
lite ends. 

1 mourn, lovely leaves, that so soon ye must die; 

In d\inn;, hequeath to me thou«;hts that shall live 
W hen silent and liteless torever ye lie; 

Oh, hasten, dear leaves, )'our last messa<;e to ^;ive! 
Waiting I listen your whisper to hear, 

Mark! now it comes to me thrillin<;lv clear: 

T/ir frrhlrst ntui t/ir hrirfrst lift- 
Is not ordiiiui'd in luitn^ 

For smallest of created things 
Some purposes remain. 

And eae/i its golden season liatli 
It liiili comet li not again. 



41 



O perishing leaves! He who only could read 

My heart's failing courage, its nearing despair, 
These sweet words of wisdom, so lit for my need, 

Has whispered through you in response to my 
prayer; 
Uplift I my soul now and new courage gain, 

Despising no more my few feeble powers; 
To meet my tasks lowly I hasten amain. 

Ere past for me also are life's golden hours. 

Gladly your last whispered message I'll tell; 
Beautiful leaves, forever farewell! 



FLOWERS OF CHRISTMASTIDE 

Oh, blessed flowers of love and joy. 
Born of the breath of Christmastide! 

The weary hours are glad for them, 
The sombre earth is glorified. 

Lit by the spirit of the Christ, 

With wondrous loveliness they shine. 
The glory of the highest heaven 

Floods them with radiance divine. 

While on their sweet delights we feast 
And breathe their heavenly atmosphere, 

Above earth's darksome things we rise 
And feel to Paradise anear. 

Why should these peerless flowers die. 
Or lose their gladdening perfume ? 

The blessed Master teach us how 
To keep them in immortal bloom. 



42 



SOMKTIIINCJ I() V>\. IIIWKFUL FOR 

( )u A COIkIi nt p.lill 

A weary invalid lay; 
Stormy and dark was the day 

Ami tin- iiloom and rain 
Siinuil in full harmony 
With lur dcsjiondtiKV, 

\\ hilc in dulctiil nu)()d 
She dismally hrt)()dcd o'er 
The burden ot rue she horc; — 

Lone widowhood. 
Grievous intirmitv 
And threatened poverty. 

Near to her side 
Sat a lovely, tair-haired ho\', 
Beamin«^ with health and joy. 

** () mamma!" he cried. 
Looking up from his play, 
** Shall \()U kiej-* rhanks<.Mvin<^ Day?" 

O'er her heart apace 
A wave of hitterness swept. 
And heavier shadows crept 

Over her tace. 
As weardy she sii^hed 
Anil thouj^htlessly rej'»lied, 

" ( )h, I tlon'f know ln)W 
I can keep it an\ more. 
Little to he thankful tor 
Manniia has now. 



4J 



So much to make her sad, 
So Httle to make her glad." 

Lifting his head 
With a look of pained surprise 
In the depths of his blue eyes, 

The little one said 
Almost reproachfully, 
** Why, mamma! you've got m<?/" 

Overwhelmed with shame 
For her rashly spoken thought, 
In her arms the child she caught. 

While the quick tears came 
And fell upon his head 
As impetuously she said, 

" My precious boy. 
My little mentor too. 
Thank God, I have got you! 

The dearest joy 
A woman ever had — 
You do make mamma glad. 

" May God forgive 
My great unthankfulness 
For so much blessedness. 

And if we live. 
In our own little way 
We will keep Thanksgiving Day. " 



44 



() souls bereft 
And tried with nun\ an ill. 
Is not sot/If blessing still 

In nurcv kit 
That makes life as it is 
Not (jtiifr dcvoiil of Miss ? 

Some treasure hiii;lit 
\\ t II worth )t>ijr gratitude? 
Some ^reat joy - yielding; ^ood, 

'Midst all the nii'Jit 
Of loss and miser\', 
'! whisjH-r, ** ^ ouNe «^>t mc ?" 



ASIMR AllON 

Thou who to hij^h achievement dost aspire. 
Seek first thv little lowlv tasks to do 
With pcrfectness, as in the Master's view; 
With zeal and faithfulness that never tire 
The lessons He assif^ns to thee ac(|uire, 

1 hat when at last thy schooling:; here is throu^i^h 
And thou art ready for accjuirements new. 
He then shall sav to thee, " Friend, go up hi«:her," 
And tiiou ama/ed shalt find th\' place to he 
\\ ith some thou sawest far above thee here. 
Who like thyself have striven, and have won 
From the good Master's lips (well pleased to sec 
The talents multiplied which \\v holds dear) 
Those words o{ commendation sweet, "Will 
done!" 



45 



CONSOLATION 

The leaves that all their lovely life 

Have cheered the heart and charmed the eye, 
At last, with dying glory flamed. 

Fall to the ground and lifeless lie. 
And almost the dismantled trees 
Appear as if about to die. 
Yet through them still life's constant currents glide 
And but awhile shall they bereft abide. 

For Nature surely will repeat 

Her old, bright miracle some day, 
Rerobing them with leaves as fair 

As those now swiftly borne away. 
So, reconciled and comforted. 
We see them go without dismay. 
And feel through all the winter's blight and chill, 
The world is beautiful and cheery still. 

Likewise when bright and precious joys 

From our embrace expiring go. 
Almost bereft of life we seem. 
Despoiled and desolated so. 
But still the stream of life goes on 
Within our hearts in ceaseless flow, 
And still we feel hope's cheerful pulses beat 
With prophecies of pleasures new and sweet. 

For He who watches over all 

Leaves not His children desolate. 
But in the room of joys that die, 

New joys as perfect will create, 

46 



So throiii^h bereavement's wintrv rcii^n 
With patitnt faith ami trust we wait. 
Assured thoiii^h all he not yvt uiulerslood — 
Life is still luautiliil ami ( iod is •'ood. 



WHIM. I w \n 

Beloved souls, «',()nc from nu' mortal si<;ht 
To the fair realm ot endless jov and lij^ht. 
What singular unreason have I shown. 
Who have so thou{.'Jir of you with ^rief alone, 
Forpettin^, since on earth you ceased to he. 
To thank our God that once you were with me; 
To thank Him tor the golden da\s so dear. 
So happv, when you sojourned with me here. 
I pray God to forj^ive me this, and you. 
Translated, blessed ones, forgive me too: 
Now shall thanks^ivin^^ for \'our earthly while 
My <:rief tor transient loss of you beguile; 
And dread of years — that may or may not be 
Ere summons plad to join you comes to me, 
Merpe in sweet retrospect of years I knew 
Htariticd b\- fellowship with \(»u. 
And in blest foretaste of that lite above 
That I shall come to spend with \t)u I love; 
So, thouj^h m\- comini; to \ ou ma\- be late, 
I shall have sweet beiHidement while I wait. 



47 



THANKSGIVING DAY 

Praise and thank the Lord most high! 
Ye, His people, testify 
What His love has done for you, 
What thanksgiving is His due, — 
Praiseful, measureless, sincere — 
For the blessings of the year. 

Praise and thank the Lord most high ! 
Let laments and murmurs die; 
Count the days the sun has shone, 
Count the joys that ye have known. 
Reckon, if vs^ithin your powder. 
Blessings sent you every hour. 

Praise and thank the Lord most high. 
Who has sent in rich supply 
Harvests of good things to you; 
Let Him reap, in measure due, 
Harvest bountiful and good 
Of your loving gratitude. 

Praise and thank the Lord most high! 
All His goodness magnify; 
If by aught that ye can do. 
Ye may give Him joy in you, 
Offer Him the tribute meet, 
Lay it gladly at His feet. 

Praise and thank the Lord most high! 

Put your cares and troubles by; 

Rise rejoicingly above 

Selfish sorrov^, selfish love; 

Give your God — glad that ye may — 

One adoring, thankful day. 

48 



RECOMPENSK 



I lie k.iMN, chat hiun tluii railitsi il.iy 
In ^lacf ami ^loiv <.l«>il i^n*:\\ shiul) and lite, 
Htncath N<)vrinl)ti's chill austciiiv 

II i\i- ilitd aiul talkii tioiii the tiits away. 

Uiit tliiou'^h the si>acc they occupied 
\\ hen t rstwhilc tluy wcic such a joy to sec. 
The radiant sun shines in and hlesses ine 

As it couKl not hetoie tlu\ died. 

And to my eyes arc now revealed 
Heauties unseen lutore of earth and sky. 
And pleasant views ot things taroH and near, 

\\ Inch those t)nce cherished leaves concealed. 

While ihrou;;h the trees ot" beauty shorn 
I pain these new delights, these visions fair, 
Oft I forpet the branches are so bare, — 

For!.',et for the lost leaves to mourn. 

So too have io\s I held most sweet, — 
Joys that I i;ladlv would have kept for aye — 
Faded and fallen from my life away. 

And dropped like dead leaves at my feet. 

Bur thrnuf^h the cheerless void they left 
The sunlight of God's hnc beams «;loriously. 
With benison of bliss unknown to me 

Ere of those fleeting joys bereft. 



49 



And gladdening views to me are given 
Of beauteous things erst hidden from my sight, 
And I am blest w^ith visions nev^ and bright 

Of the serene, pure sky of Heaven, 

So great the recompense I gain. 
Almost what I have lost do I forget. 
And thankfully refuse to nurse regret 

While these celestial joys remain. 



RENEWED REVELATION 

Through all the years of life's unstable scenes 
The same sublime creation greets the eyes, 

The same vast wonders of the earth and sea, 
The same unfailing marvels of the skies. 

Yet to the listening soul, the glories old 
Of earth and sea and firmament above 

Appear an ever new apocalypse 

Breathed freshly from God's very heart of love. 



50 



THANKSGIVING 

The coinl'Mts ..t t-arth's tiuKtuI \ kUI, 
The goodly harvest ot the tit hi, 
1 he pkasaiit things that come and ^o, 
Knricliin^ every season so. 
To nie aiul mine in plenteous store 
The eirchni; year lias hrou^ht once more. 
OGod, I thank Thee! "lis to Thee 
We owe such hoiinrv lull and tree. 

I he iilories of created thnins 
That each returning season hrinf;s. 

The miracles ot loveliness 

In Nature's ever-chan<^in^ dress. 

Transcendent charms of torm and hue. 
Have I and mine Inluld anew. 
( ) ( lod, I thank Thee! Thine the praise 
Tor heauteous sij^hts and <;olden days. 

In all the year's rich \ iild untold, 

( )t )ovs and hlessnii^s manilohl. 

It has heen i^iven me and mine 

To see anew the Love divine 

That tender watch a hove us keeps. 

And never tires and never sleeps; 

() (Jod, I thank 'Thee! 'Thine shall he 

Our grateful praise eternally. 



5> 



AN UNFORESEEN HARVEST 

I saw the garden of my joys 

Laid waste by storm and frost; 
Appalled, disconsolate, I mourned 

The treasures I had lost. 
No more were mine in harvest rich 

Delights I held so dear, — 
All swept away from view afar, 

Or lifeless now and sere. 

But in that garden God had sown 

(I wholly unaware) 
The seeds of unknown precious things 

Incomparably fair; 
So blinded by my tears was I 

I saw not how they grew, — 
Then vision came, and viewing them, 

Great gladness thrilled me through. 

I knew that God had planted them, 

They were so all divine, 
I knew that they immortal were, 

And were forever mine; 
I knew that naught could have the power 

Their beauty to destroy, 
Or ever render less for me 

Their yield of perfect joy. 

And now the boundless harvest comes 

Of blessed things to me, 
No eye hath seen nor ear hath heard, 

Nor heart conceived to be. 



52 



As iluin I garner, in my soul 
Siuh luavtnlv traiisjioits ^row. 

For loss ot ilic witlulrawn ilili^hls 
M\ ff.ns ioi "( f to flow. 

Ami miracle of mirailcs! — 

1 \ uw witli Nvoiulcr deep, 
'I he harvest j^rowin^ more and more, 

'! In- more of it I reajK 
\\ ith thankful joy each hour I sec 

New {^lories still unfold. 
And know the harvest vast is mine 

In everlasting; hold. 



53 



CHRISTMASTIDE 

O season golden, gladsome, sweet, 
When joy-bells of our hearts repeat 
The wondrous story o'er again 
Of God's transcendent love to men. 

Once more the angels' song we hear, 
Divinely sweet, divinely clear; 
Once more we hail our Lord and King, 
And grateful, loving, tribute bring. 

What room have we for cares or fears 
With that song ringing in our ears ? 
What room for sorrow or lament. 
With eyes on that Redeemer bent ? 

Uplifted and illumined so. 
Into our spirits sweetly flow 
The peace of which the angels sing. 
The joy the Saviour came to bring. 

And by that light of heavenly love 
So beaming on us from above, 
Released from every selfish thrall, 
Our hearts reach out in love to all. 

O glad and blessed atmosphere. 
With hope and faith so bright, so clear! 
O spirit sweet of Christmastide, 
For evermore with us abide, 

And keep our hearts through all the days 
So full of love and joy and praise. 
That always we may see our King 
And hear the blessed angels sing. 



54 



dlRISlMAS CAROL 

ndioUl tin- D.iNspiiiu', tinm du ln«;li! 
riu- dai kiuss ciuls, the sliatlows tly, 
I lu- ilcstit wastts of earth arc ht 
W ith pri-stiuf of the InHiiitc; 
Li^ht! I^cact! Joy! 
Mail's portion cvtrniorc. 

Celestial hosts exulting sin^, 
The skies with ^lad hosannas rin^, 
The ^lory ami the hliss of Heaven 
To vvearv oiks ot earth are ^iven; 
Liuhr! Peace! Joy! 
AhoiuuliiiL; evermore. 

To tluni tliar stiive, to them that weep, 
10 them that sit m darkness deep, 
\\) them that bruised and captive mourn, 
The blissful herita<^c is home, 
Li«;ht! Peace! Joy! 
Endurinj; evermore. 

The ^low of Heaven floods the earth 
And heavenly raptures sprinp; to binh, 
The «;loom of niL;ht and death is o'er, 
Li^ht rei«:;ns triumphant evermore, 
Li<^ht! Peace! Joy! 
Triumphant evermore. 



55 



CHRIST IS COME 

On the world with night surrounded 

Beams the glory from above, 
Heralding the glad appearing 

Of divine, incarnate love; 
The angelic host attending 

Of the wondrous advent sing, 
And to us the Christ is given, 

Christ our Saviour, Christ our King. 

Flee afar, O gloomy shadows! 

Flee afar, O shades of night! 
In the brightness of His presence 

All is joy and peace and light. 
No more darkness, no more terror, 

No more sin, if He abide 
Royal guest, unfailing helper, 

Everlasting friend and guide. 

Sing, ye souls so blest of Heaven! 

Raise your joyful anthems high; 
Let the love of your Redeemer 

All your praises occupy. 
Lift to Him your glad hosannas! 

Offer Him oblations meet; 
Lay your grateful sacrifices 

Worshipfully at His feet. 

For the glory of His presence, 
For the blessing of His peace, 

For the joys His love has brought you 
Let your praises never cease. 



56 



Sin^, ye ransomed ones, yc blessed! 

Let your son^;s to Htaven soar; 
Sin^l for Christ to you is ^iven, 

And li^lit reigns for cvirmorr. 



nil l)\^■spRl^■(; 

Luke- i. yS, -ji). 

Kxtol tin- tt luln nurcy of Our (Jod, 
W'lio, niiiullul of the grievous ways we trod. 
Sent down to us the DaNsprin'j; from on hit;h, 
( )ui weary pil«;rinia«;e to «;lorit\ . 

( ) Davsprinp; radiant! touched hy I hv hi;ht, 
I'he powers otsin and darkness take their Hii'Ju 
No more death's dreadful shadows do we see» 
For life that has no death be»;ins with 1 hee. 

Thou makest storms tempestuous to cease, 
I'hou iuiidest us into the paths of peace. 

Thou comfortest the sorrows of our way. 
Thou leadest us to joys that live for aye. 

Daysprin*^, sent to lii^ht us from on hiidi. 
All our desire and need dost 1 hou supply; 

1 he «;lory and the hlessini^ of 1 hy rays 
Make idad and beautiful life's thorny ways. 

( ) I)a\sprini!;, Con()ueror of death and niuht, 
I'or the f^rcat pift of Thee, our Joy, our Lij;ht, 
Adorinp sonps unceasingly we raise, 
The tender mercy of our Cod to jMaisc. 



57 



THE BIRTHDAY OF THE KING 

'Tis the birthday of the King! 

He the Wonderful, the Mighty, 

He the King of kings for aye. 

Ye who know Him, ye who love Him, 

Gifts of love and worship bring. 

Sing of Him with glad hosannas, 

Prove your love for Him to-day. 

Ye to whom His gracious aid 
He has fully, freely given. 
Never turning you away, 
Never deaf unto your pleading, — 
Ye for whom His love has made 
Light in darkness, joy in sorrow, — 
Give Him joy in you to-day. 

Ye whom He has comforted 

With the angel of His presence, 

Ye with whom He walked the way 

Of your suffering and peril, 

Ye whom He has daily fed 

With the hidden, heavenly manna, — 

Prove your gratitude to-day. 

Ye whom when by tempest tossed 
He has brought to peaceful havens. 
Ye whom He has taught the way 
To the rest He gives the weary. 
Ye to whom for joys ye lost 
He has given joys undying, — 
Be a joy to Him to-day. 



S8 



(MIKIS'IMNS IINMN 

From the plory ot the skies, 
Fn»m tin- l>liss ot Paradise, 
C'aim- tlu- Son of (lod to ^ive 
l.i'^lit ;iiul i»>\- to all that live. 

He — the Lord of Heavm ami c aitli 
In a manner had his birth; 
I.owlv. weary wa\ s 1 Ic trod 
10 show man the way to (iod. 

I It . the- Christ, was Inciul nuked 
UiUo all luvn ill their need; 
None too hunihle for llis care. 
None too poor 1 lis lo\e to share. 

If" 1 lis followers ye are, 
Cast \()iir worldU- pride afar; 
I.owlv he like Iliin in mind, 
I' nil of love to all manknul. 

LowK", lovini:;, only so 

In His footsteps may ye go, 

Only so in all ye do 

May ye pive Him joy in ndu. 

Haste to joy your King to-day; 
Cast your loveless pride away. 
Lay your hearts in tribute meet, 
Lowly, loving, at I lis feet. 



59 



FOR CHRIST'S SAKE 

Forth from his mansion grand and fair, 
Into the Christmas morning air, 
The rich man walked in all his pride, 
With face serene, self-satisfied. 

Across his path a poor child stepped 
And timidly to him she crept, 
And held up shyly to his view 
Some little wreaths of pine and yew. 

" Please buy a Christmas wreath," she said; 
He sternly frowned and shook his head. 
And waived her haughtily away; 
She touched his arm his steps to stay. 

*' For Christ's sake," said she pleadingly, 
" It is His day, " you know, said she. 
Slowly unbent the haughty will. 
Slowly the hurried steps grew still. 

The strange words of appeal she spoke 
Unwonted thoughts within him woke, 
And drove complacence from his breast, 
And filled him with a vague unrest. 

For sake of every earthly friend 

How much he had been glad to spend; 

He had remembered kindly all 

That were around him, great and small; 



60 



Hut for Christ's sake lu- h;i(l ilnnc iiau^lu, 
Of Him he truly had not th(»ii<;hf. 
And 'twas His ua\, as she had said; 
A monuMU, shaimd. he hun^ his head, 

And then lie thrust a piece ol j;old 
Iiitt) her liaiul so thin and cold. 
And waiting not the thanks she said. 
Upon his way he (juicklv sped. 

But ever rinj;in<; in his ears 

The little child's sweet plea he hears, — 

" For Christ's sake, 'tis His day, you know," — 

I'ntil at last, incited so, 

Such words and deeds of kindliness 

Sad lives to »!;ladden and to bless, — 

" For Christ's sake," — heart and hands employ; 

As make the angels sin^ for joy. 

The while his heart p;rows stran<;ely lig.ht. 
And all the day seems strangely hrinht. 
And Christmas takes for him fn)m hence 
A new and sweet signihcance. 



6i 



A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 

Dear heart, it was but yesterday 
So wide a gulf between us lay, 
Impassable it seemed to be. 
Forever keeping thee from me, 
And in my pride and bitterness 
I did not wish that it were less. 

But when to-day came to my ear 
That song we always loved to hear, — 
The song so beautiful, so old, 
That to the watching shepherds told 
The story of the Saviour's birth. 
Heaven's highest, richest gift to earth, — 

A sudden light upon me beamed 

That born of Heaven's glory seemed, 

And by its brightness were dispelled 

The darksome thoughts that in me dwelled,- 

As shades of night are chased away 

Tjv the transforming light of day. 

Again the ties that used to be 
Seemed gently drawing me to thee, 
And narrowed grew the gulf that lay 
So wide between us yesterday. 
Until my hand could almost reach 
To thee, dear heart, across the breach. 

Ah, if thy face I now could see 
In sweet relenting turned to me, 



62 



If ihoii woiildst reach to nu* thy hand 
As in)\v so near to tluc I stand. 
The hnaih tliat still nion- narrow ^rows 
Between our heaits would wholly close. 

Stretch forth thv hand, heloved, now, 
And let nie clasp it. while we vow. 
Henceforth all other laws above — 
Shall rule the heavenly law of love, 
ReNealiil In flu- incarnate (jod. 
Obeyed iii .ill the wa\s I Ir tiod. 

Dear heart, the anj^els' sonp I hear 
A<;ain, more beautiful, more clear; 
Ah, sweet indeed the son<; they sinu; 
And L'jad the tidini^s that the\- brini^: 
The Prince ot Peace keeji thee and me 
In ptace ami l<)\e eternalU'. 



63 



THE MOURNER'S CHRISTMAS 

Beloved, dweller in that happier sphere 
Which we but dimly can conceive of here, 
How we were wont when thou wast on the earth 
To hail the day that marked the Saviour's birth. 

With one accord, for that one blessed day 
We put our sorrows and our cares away. 
And let no vexing memories alloy 
The perfect brightness of our Christmas joy. 

But can we keep the feast without thee, now ? 
While still with crushed and bleeding hearts we bow 
Beneath our sorrow in our loss of thee. 
Can we of Christmas joys partakers be ? 

Can we sing happy carols as before 
When thou dost lend thy helping voice no more ? 
Can we attune our hearts to gladsome praise 
As when thou wast with us in bygone days ? 

Seem we to see thy gentle, loving eyes 
Reproachfully regard us from the skies, 
Reminding us of all the debt we owe 
Our blessed Lord, whom thou dost see and know. 



Were He not born, ah, where were our relief, 
Our consolation, in our loss and grief? 
How could we from our crushing sorrow rise 
Had he not come to point us to the skies ? 



64 



With hiimMc. thankful hearts will wc recall 
Ihr Nvoiulroiis lovi- wlurcwith He loved us all 
And ^ladlv make His dav a dav ot days 
All glorious with l<t\i- ;iiul i<»\ and piaise 

HeliivinL: tht)U ilost |()Mi us while we sini; 
Our )()\tul piaises to our Saviour Kin^, — 
Helie\inL: thou wouldst have us lift our eyes 
AlH)Ve tin j^rave to flu l)ii;'ht Paiadise. 



KASTKK C'\R< )l. 

Hehold \()ur risen Lord, ye mourning ones! 

Hehold Iliin niii^hty Conqueror of death! 
Lift up \()ur hearts from sorrow and disma\'. 

Hear tor \()ur jo\' the li\inL:; words lie saith. 

I ani the Resurrecti(^n and the Lite; 
\\ hoso helieves in nie shall never die; 
Whoso helieves in me, though he were dead. 
Yet shall He live erernaliv. as L 

l(>. I am IK' that li\eth and was dead; 
Hehold, I am alive tor evermore; 
Because I live, ye too shall live tor a\e, 

I van(|uished death for \f)U, its stini^ is o'er." 

Arise then tiom \()ur darkness and despair; 

Your Lord is risen, and \e shall not die; 
Jov in the Lite eternal that He «iives. 

And tollow Ilmi to your ahode on hiirh. 



'^5 



OASES 

When across a dreary region 

Mortals are constrained to go, 
Where the bitter rue is rampant, 

And no sweets appear to grow. 
How a touch of human kindness 

Makes the weary pulses beat 
With new quickening of courage, 

And new strength for tired feet. 

How apace, illumed, transfigured. 

Does the sombre way appear. 
Like the oases of deserts 

Which the weary traveler cheer; 
How the troubles seem to lessen. 

And the burdens lighter grow. 
How the bitter is forgotten 

In the sweet, new-springing so. 

Tutored and inspired divinely 

Are the souls so moved to give 
To their hapless fellow mortals 

Help their weary lives to live; 
'Tis the spirit of the Highest 

Working in their human will. 
His sweet laws of loving kindness 

And compassion to fulfill. 

And until they hear the Master 
Say, ** To whomso'er it be. 

Inasmuch as ye have done it. 
Ye have done it unto me," 



66 



N;iui;lu can Ik- so satlsfvliv!. 
So ri(juitin^, as to know 

'lluv make oases tor others 
\Mi() have desert ways to ^o. 



Will RT (URisr TF\ns 

Thou who chdst tiiail laith's wiaiy ways 

( )ur IavM -'I^*^^ Ciuide to Ik-, 
To teach us over sin and death 

To pain the victoiy, 
O Christ, our Saviour and our Kini;, 

Help us to follow 'Ihee. 

liiou who didst come to lift us up 

Where Heaven's glories shine- 
Didst live for us Thy perfect lite 

Of love and <:race divine, — 
Help us, dear T.ord, our little lives 
To pattern after Thine. 

O Christ, whose sacrifice suhlime 

Has made us hlest for aye. 
The path to sacrifice ot selt 

Reveal to us, wc pray. 
And help us evermore to walk 

That consecrated way. 



^7 



GOOD FRIDAY 

Not by the prostrate form, 
The lowly bended knee, 

The chastening of the flesh, 
May we best honor Thee 

Who for Thy love for us 
Didst die on Calvary. 

Not by the solemn fast 
Kept to Thy memory. 

Not by the chanting low 
Of mournful litany. 

May we best prove our love, 
O Lamb of God, to Thee. 

The humbling of the soul, 
The searching strong within, 

The penitential tear. 
The casting off of sin, — 

These most shall honor Thee, 
These best Thy blessing win. 

The keeping Thy commands. 
The following of Thee, 

The sacrifice of self. 
The life of purity. 

These only prove our love, 
O Crucified, to Thee. 



68 



TEST OV niSC'llMJ-Sllir 

" Hv this sIkiII all mill know," saitli Jesus 
" That yc arc inv ilisciplcs true, 

If \v have love one to another. 
Such love as I have had to you. 

*' F»)r«^ive each other \<)Ui oHenees, 
Be kind, he just, in word and deed; 

Esteem all men to In- your hrethien, 
And minister unto their need. 

" (io hless the wretched, leed tlie hun«;ry. 
Receive the stranger, help the weak; 

The sick and the afflicted visit. 

And words of heavenly comfort speak. 

** Then inasmuch as \ e have done it 
To one of these, who'er it he. 

It shall indeed hy me he reckoned 
As thou«;h ye did it unto me. 

" And ye shall he loved of my Father 
If my commands ye thus ohey; 

We will ahide with you and i^ive you 
The joy that none can take away." 



69 



BEGINNING TO LIVE 

There were tumult and dismay 
In the crowned thoroughfare, 
As — where no one else would dare — 

A poor child pushed her way. 

There were cries of sharp distress, 
Then, — felled by the horses' feet, 
Down on the stones of the street 

She lay crushed and motionless. 

In a moment, tenderly. 

Strong arms from the gathered throng 
Raised her and bore her along 

To the aid for such as she. 

To a small cot soft and warm 
As it never had pressed before. 
They gently, speedily bore 

The so mangled girlish form. 

Oh, the piteous story told 

By that wasted frame ill clad — 
By that white, still face so sad. 

So young and yet so old. 

The surgeon's practiced eye 

Foresaw what the end would be, 
And he whispered pityingly, 

" No hope, the girl must die. " 



70 



She heard, and iiiovrci her head 
\\ ith a ttthle, startled cry, 
" ( )h, IK), no! - I can't die, — 

I haven't Itvt'J yet! " she said. 

Then a soft and gentle hand 
Took liers in tender hold. 
And a soft voice sweetlv told 

Of the hri«;ht and lieautitul la ml. 

\\ here shall never enter care 

Nor hunj^er nor distress. 

But perfect happiness 
Shall eternally he there. 

A lot)k. of *;lad content 
Into the child's face came, 
.And she said, as life's flittinji; flame 

Down into darkness went, — 

** There's not much then I'd <;ive 
To stay — I had rather <;o — 
For I haven't lived yet — you know 

But now — I'm ^oin' — to — live. " 



EASTER HYMN 

After the cross, the crown, 
After the grave, the skies; 

Christ is arisen from the dead, 
We unto Him shall rise. 

Brightly the Easter joy 
Beams on our pilgrim way, 

Lighting the shadows with the glow 
Of the eternal day. 

Earnest of Heaven's bliss 

Comforts our sorrow's night; 

Death is the door to Paradise, 
Darkness the path to light. 

Upward, O risen Christ, 
Draw us for aye to Thee; 

Upward, o'er sorrow, sin, and death, 
Victors like Thee to be. 

Glorified is the way 

Thou hast before us trod. 

Even so raise unto Thee, 
Saviour, Thou Son of God. 



72 



EASTKR I ILIKS 

On tlu" Fastn mom a inaitli n wtnt 

I'p t(» tin- liousf ot prayii ; 
Lilits pure and sweet she bore 

It) Ia\ on tin- alrar rlurt-. 

( )li. I«»mI\ tlir lilits wiiliiu lur hands, — 

Lihts tliat hvc hut a da\ , 
But fairer tin- hhts witliiii hii h( air, 

I he hhes that live tor aye. 

I he Lord hehelil within hei liands 

I he lilies so pure and fair. 
And down in her t^entle heart He looked 
And saw the pure lilies theie. 

( )h. dear unto Him the frail earth flowers 

That were on His altar laid. 
Hut dearer the heaven-horn spirit blooms, 

I he lilus that iu\ er fade. 

He joyed in the fragile lilies sweet, — 
The lilies that live hut a dav, — 

But the heautitul lilies in her heart 
\\ ill <MM' I lim |o\ tor a\c. 



73 



LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS 

Ye heirs of glory, lift your hearts! 

Grope ye no more in sorrow's night, 
Lift up your hearts unto your God 

And be illumined with His light. 

Lift up your hearts, ye weary ones, 
To the calm, restful heights above; 

Behold your God compassionate, 
And be transported with His love. 

Lift up your hearts to Christ your Lord 
And see your heaven drawing near; 

Look up to Him, ye heirs of grace, 
And the celestial anthems hear. 

No more for you are grief and dread, 
Touched by that Presence all divine, 

No more for you are gloom and night. 
On whom His beams of glory shine. 

Lift up your hearts unto your King 
And of His joy partakers be; 

Arise and triumph in His might 
And with Him reign eternally. 



74 



KASIKR 

F.arth joyniislv luisill j>rc'parcs 

To ^icct the j;l()ii()us Kaster mom. 
And hastens the dark robe she wears 

\\ ith I(t\il\ l)l()ssoins to adorn. 

Slu- huls hii hosts ot son<;sters sweet 

1 htir loudest )ul)ilates raise. 
The Lt)rd ot heaven and eartli to ^rcet. 
The coiKjueioi ot deatli to j^raise. 

1 hi- liuiiise ot the newhorn tlowers 

\\ ith the adoring carols hleiuls. 
And heavenward on t:;olden hours 
Kaitli's Kaster sacrihce ascends. 

And thou — mv soul — are tlowers of grace 
Newhorn in thee to joy thy King? 

W ith gratetul love wilt thou apace 
lav at His teet rich ottering ? 

What hallelujahs will lie hear 

1* roin thee, silent ot piaise so long? 

\\ ilt thou uplitt to greet His ear 
New sacritice of gratetul song ? 

Behold, thy risen, loving Lord 

Calls to thcc from the glorious skies; 

Lift up thy heart with glad accord. 
Fix steadfastly on Him thy eyes. 

Then shall immortal blossoms spring 
In all thy loveless, desert ways. 

And thou anon shalt learn to sing 
Sweetest hosannas to His praise. 



/:> 



MY COMING WEALTH 

Of terrestrial possessions 

Only very few have I, 
But there is a w^ondrous fortune 

Coming to me by and by. 

Coming when the heavy fetters 
That have bound my spirit here, 

At the dawn of life supernal 
Shall forever disappear. 

Then shall I inherit treasures 
Hitherto withheld from me, 

Then shall joy succeed to sorrow, 
Boundless wealth to poverty. 

Then shall jewels I once cherished, 
Long since lost, lamented sore, 

Be restored to me forever. 
Fairer, .brighter than before. 

And the flowers of hope that perished 
In misfortune's blighting air. 

And that long ago were buried 
'Neath the cold sod of despair, 

To a joyful resurrection 
Quickly shall awaken then. 

In a breath shall bud and blossom. 
Never more to die again. 



76 



BIcssinps, raptures yit iindriamcd of 
Has that lift- (if Iltavcn for mc, 

RkIus which can luvt-r perish, 
Mine Inr all itei iiitw 

Such the toitiinc tliat awaits iiu* 
\\ hill in\ caithlv htV is past, 

Si» I hM" in trusting; patience. 
It. I 'tw ill Miiclv conu' at last. 



orR mil ^' hrf \n 

Give us this chi\ our daiU hnad; 

Bread tor our hun«^ry souls wc need, 
Oh, i;rant with heavenly sustenance 

1 h\- suppliant servants. Lord, to teed. 

Give us this da\- our dail\' hread. 

Lest taint and weak our spirits <M()W, 

And to the C(Mitlicts ot the way 
UiUijual, meet with overthrow. 

Give us this dav our dail\ hread; 

Feed us w itli angels' tood, we pray. 
That so sustained we nia\' hv stronii; 

Vo serve I hee as we would to-day. 



Give us this da\ our dail\ hread, 

Lhat i^row th in <;race we niav attain, 
And so may witness, to I hy praise. 



We have not asked tor hre 



;aci HI \ain. 



77 



VISITED BY GOD 

Psalm xvii. 3 

How often in the gloom of sorrow's night, 

When human love and joy are hid from sight 

And only darkness all around I see, 

Thou, Lord, in pitying love dost visit me; — 

Thou, in whose soul-beatifying light 

No sorrow can have dominance, no night. 

I do not need with loud appeal to call 

To bring Thee near, who fiUest all in all, — 

If I but turn a trustful thought to Thee 

In eager longing that my soul may be 

joyed with the consciousness that Thou art nigh, 

Apace a flood of light illumes my sky, — 

I feel a sudden rapture fill my heart 

That only Thy near presence can impart. 

And know that Thou art come to visit me. 

Swift to irradiate my dark with Thee, 

To heal my wounds, to banish my distress 

With Thy almighty touch of tenderness. 

To make my bitter woes forgotten be 

In the transcendence of my joy in Thee, 

To hold me in Thy strong embrace until 

New might shall my enfeebled spirit fill. 

Can I know sorrow then — though still afar 

Beloved human friends and comforts are — 

While so exalted, so supremely blest 

With Thee, eternal Father, as my guest ? 

Ah, never more, dear Lord, can I be made 

Of darkness or of loneliness afraid. 

Or pain or weariness, or sorrow's night, 

Or loss of all terrestrial delight. 



78 



For 1 hou in lovr (li\ iiu- for^ivinp me 
For my too siLlom lon^in^ aftit Thee, — 
For^ivin«^ that I «;iievf I hee tlav hy day 
So often turning; from I hv face away, — 
Thou (lost cleh<;ht in tender mercy still 
Aiul \isitest me whenso'er I will. 



lOR cR \n-: ov srr.F.cii 

(iiiarii anil i;mile m\ lips. ( ) I.oid; 

Let Thy ^race and wisdom he 
Rulers of my wa\ ward tongue, 

Saving monitors to me. 

Faithful watch and ward to keep. 
That ni)- speech may ever he, 

Taui;ht hy their restraining^; power. 
Only words apjiroved In" 1 hee. 

Aye to show, O Saviour dear. 
Thou m\- 2;uide and pattern art. 

And Tin laws of truth and love 
Have donumon ni nn heart. 

Saviour, deiiMi mv pra\ ir to hear; 

Let I hy s^race and wisdom he 
(luardians of nn* froward ton<iue, 

1 hat nn words oftVnd not Thee. 



79 



HE KNOWETH THEM THAT TRUST IN 
HIM 

Nahum i. 7 

I trust Him, and He knoweth it; 
He knoweth well that I commit 
My all unto His tender care, 
Content and glad to leave it there. 
With faith unfaltering in His love, 
With perfect trust that naught can move. 

He knoweth how I trust in Him, 
How darkest shadows cannot dim 
My faith, nor make me trust the less 
His wisdom and his tenderness. 
And to my heart's sure trust will He — 
Father of love — indifferent be ? 



That God whose power is infinite 
As is His love, will He permit 
One soul in all His vast domain 
Ever to trust in Him in vain ? 
Oh, never, never could it be; — 
No fear like this shall trouble me. 

He knoweth that on Him I stay 
My trust; He knoweth too the way 
To change my sky's most leaden hue 
To the serenest, heavenly blue, — 
To make the evil that I see 
Result in endless good to me. 



80 



And so through every sccminj^ ill 
W'itli fiiimst faith I'll trust Iliin still, - 
I'.iticiu. contriu, iiiKjiustioniii^: 
Ami still m\ ttiistiii}^ luart shall sinj; 
K\n wlun III thath \u\ v\vs arc diin,- 
lii kiKiwith ih.if I tiiisi ill llini.** 



1 1 C)OK TO 'mi'F 

God, my Father and my Friend, 
W hose love doth all my steps attend, 

1 look to Ihee my heart to fill 

W ith swit-r suhniission to Tin u ill. 

I look to Thee to make me know 
Thy presence with me as I ^o. 
Thy hlessini^ on me and I hy li<;ht 

IlluininL; all tlu- sombre ni^ht. 

W hv shouKl I kar, wluii 1 hoii canst i;ive 
I he strength and ^race 1 need to live, 

1 he sweet assurance ot 1 h\' love, 
I ranscendmL' all lulow, above ? 

Dear lather, God, uplift m\- soul; 
Hmd up its wounds and make it whole, 
And j^rant it evermore mav be 
Triumphant, )o\ fuL strong in Thee. 



8i 



JOY OF THE INVINCIBLE 

Pilgrim of earth, constrained to go 

In ways thou would'st not here below; 

To see thy dearest hopes decay, 

Thy dearest treasures pass away. 

Thy griefs and burdens multiplied. 

Thy soul beset on every side, — 

Oh, shrink not, faint not, child of God, — 

Though on and on the weary road 

Through regions dark with sorrow lead; 

Joy, if thou love thy King indeed, 

That so 'tis given thee to show 

Thou canst not meet with overthrow. 

Since He, the Highest, maketh thee 

Invincible through Him to be; 

Joy that thou so the more may'st prove 

The mighty wonders of His love, 

And He — thy King, thy God — may be 

Exalted, glorified in thee. 

Joy thou indeed, if so the more, 

In pain, in loss, in conflicts sore. 

In crosses borne, in hard tasks done, — 

By multitudes of victories won 

Right nobly and right royally — 

Thou mayest give Him joy in thee. 

And He may count thee of the host 

Who by His might have triumphed most, 

And thou to His most holy place 

May'st come at last to see His face, 

And from His hands of love receive 

The victor's crown He joys to give, 

And all the blissful things that He 

Hath in His heaven prepared for thee, 



82 



Tiaiisceiulinj'^ cviry hope ilivinc 
Th.it ivcr timrcd thought of thine 
Full Mconipcnsc for every tear 
Aiui every hour of trial here. 



EVENING 

As swiftly, siKnti\ draws mar tlu iii^lit. 

Ami into i^looin the cla\liLdu dies awa\ . 
I praise I hee, HeaveiiK lather, for Tliy h;;iu 
That .sl;ineth e\er, an eternal day. 

I praise 1 hee that 'l"h\ wear\- child may see 

1 he way to 1 hee, th()U[;h darkness gathers deep; 
I conie, () Father, to receive of Fhee 

Thy pardon and Thy blessing ere 1 sleep. 

I lift to 1 lue this luirdened heart i»f niine. 

Filled with the shadows of" the deepening night. 

Thou floodest me with rays of light divine. 
And darkness flees from me, and all is light. 

O Father, as the night of" life draws near. 

And fast earth's fading brightness ebbs away. 

In growing glory may Fhv light appear. 
Until for me it alway shall be day. 



8? 



AT HIS FOOTSTOOL 

If when my heart 
In prayer apart 
To God would come, 
My hps are dumb, 
Or they convey 
In feeblest way 
The prayer and praise 
My heart would raise. 
Yet sure I rest 
That not unblest 
My soul will be, 
Nor lost my plea 
Upon His ear 
So swift to hear. 
The words I say, — 
What matter they ? 
My heart He reads 
And all its needs, — 
Sees struggling there 
The fervent prayer 
That words of mine 
Can ill define, 
And sooner I 
Will slight the cry 
My child so dear 
Lifts to my ear. 
Than He will be 
Deaf to my plea. 
Though voiced alone 
In sigh or moan. 
Or breathed in naught 
But voiceless thought. 

84 



Ami so I tl.ui- 
10 Uavf my prayer, 
Though all unmeet, 
At His dear fVct, 
Trusting tor it 
His iiihiiitf 
Compassion's liicJ, 
As it hatli luid. 



MORNING 1'R.\M:R 

O Katlur, hear my mornlnp; prayer; 

1 li\' a ill impart to me 
That I may make my lite to-day 

Acceptahle to Thee. 

Ma\' this desire my spirit rule, 

And, as the moments ii\v. 
Something of j;ood he born in me, 

Somethinc^ ot* evil die. 

Some i;race that seeks my heart to win 
\\ ith shining victory meet. 

Some sin that strives for mastery 
Find overthrow complete. 

That so throuf^hout the coming day 

The hours shall carr)' me 
A little farther from the world, 

A little nearer Thee. 



8s 



THE STILL HOUR 

Dear Lord, this is Thy hour; 
Oh, may Thy spirit's power 
From every weight my spirit free 
And Hft me up to Thee. 

Above the cares of Hfe, 

Above the pain, the strife, 

To Thee, my God, I fain would rise, 

And fix on Thee my eyes. 

With Thee is rest and peace. 
With Thee my troubles cease. 
My lamentations change to song. 
My fainting heart grows strong. 

I come, O Lord, to Thee, 
Uplifted, blessed to be; 
Let me discern Thy presence now 
As at Thy feet I bow. 

Let Thy dear, heavenly voice 
My weary soul rejoice; 
Let Thy dear love my spirit feed. 
And satisfy my need. 

So may Thy presence give 
New light, new strength to live, 
And saving grace go forth with me 
From this still hour with Thee. 



86 



1 IKMO To TIIF r irjIT 

As tmii th( Howcrs to tin- sun, 

P.xpantlin;^. j<)\ inj: in its lij'Jif, 
So unto I lu r, ( ) Sliiniii}' ( )iic, 

Mv s|^iiit till MS l>\ cl;iy and nij'ht. 

Life, lioju-. ;nul i()\ 'I In lu.ims iinp.iit. 

I hat litilv on my daikiuss sliiiu-; 
I lu\ satisfy nn loivuin^ luarr 
Willi lointoits iiuasiiiclcss. disinc. 

1 liiouidi I'JooMi and stoim and ilaiksoiiic ni^lu 

I \\v\ 1 li\ htaiiis upon inc still, 
I fill llu' all-illuniin«^, li^iu 

W itli i«»\ nn prisoned spirit fill. 

1 oiicluci hv I In ra\ s, my sorrows cease, 

Mv bitter tears no longer flow, 
1 lie benediction of Thv peace 

Unutterably sweet I know. 

Lord, coiilil I learn by ^race of Thine 

Alway on 1 hee to fix my eyes. 
Foretaste of Heaven then were mine 

Till I hou shalt call me to the skies. 

I here all withdrawn the veil from me 
That holds Thee from ni\' spirit's si<;ht, 

I shall 1 hv fullest <;lorv see. 
And joy forever in Vhy li[;ht. 



87 



IN THE SECRET OF HIS PRESENCE 
Psalm xxxi. 19, 20 

How great, O Lord, the goodness Thou dost show 
To them who in Thy boundless love confide, 

Whom Thou dost lift from vexing things below 
And in the secret of Thy presence hide. 

Upheld by Thee in that exalted place, 

For them earth's wearisome contentions cease; 

No pride of man their spirits can abase. 

No strife of tongues can dissipate their peace. 

Kept safe from harm in that secure retreat, 
They rest from terror and dismay afar; 

No power of evil do they fear to meet 

While so encompassed by Thy love they are. 

From strength to strength victorious they go. 
Made by Thy grace to feast on things divine; 

Foretaste of Heaven's ecstasies they know. 
While on their prisoned spirits Thou dost shine. 

Serene, uplifted, they await the day 

When from earth's heavy chains they shall be free, 
And from all darkness they shall soar away. 

Filled with Thy unveiled light eternally. 



88 



TITF \T \R PRF.SENCE 

Ihoii uhn aif luvir tar fioin us, 

I lioii^h «)iil\' diinlv wi" ptrccivc Tluc, 
HouiuUtss in power aiul in love, 

Ktiriial Father, we believe Ilue; 
Fook down in pitv. gracious Ford, 

Upon our darkness anil our blindness, 
And nKinilest 1 Insell to us 

In i by transcendent lovin«;-kindness. 

( )li. let us feel upon our hearts 

1 h\ touch ol nurc\ and of healinj:;, 
'I'o us w ho blindlv reach for Thee, 

Fhv presence and Fhy love revealinc^; 
( )h, let us feel 'Fhv mighty arms 

Bv dav and nij.dn surround, uphold us, 
Fn)ni every harnitui, evd power. 

In perfect refu<!;e to enh>ld us. 

So ina\' undMni:, wondrous lii^ht 

From Thee illumine us and till us, 
So may Ihv spirit breathed on us 

Vi ith (juickened life and power thrill us, 
Fo new tulHllini!; ot Fhv will 

Our hearts unholy, wayward L;uiding, 
Till we attain Thy heavenly grace, 

'Ih\' peace ineirablc, abiding. 

AImi«:hty Father, God of love, 

We know that Ihou art ever near us; 
We lilt our hearts in praver to Thee 

In jHi fccr t.nfh rhar I Imn w ih luar us; 



89 



Oh, may new knowledge of Thyself 
To us in growing light be given, 

Till we behold Thee as Thou art, 
Unveiled before us in Thy Heaven. 



ANSWERED 

With weight of sombre hours oppressed, dismayed, 

My heart cried, ** Heavenly Father, speak to me, 

And so irradiate my misery." 
Apace a flower, humanly conveyed, 
Spotlessly white, within my hand was laid, — 

As it were one of God's white thoughts that He 

Embodies so, that sentient souls may be 
Aware of His near presence, and be made 
By such illumed interpreters to know 

In part what He would say to them, till He 
Shall make them understand His speech; and so 

My prayer was answered and God spoke to me 
And made my gloomed, joy-barren heart to grow 

All efflorescent with soft ecstasy. 



90 



A I'R WVR or PRAYERS 

I.<>ul. it oiu- pi.iMT alone 
I unto Vhvv iiiii'Ju oHir, it slioiiKl \h- 

That Thou, l.orii, woiildst make known 
The secret of I'hv presence unto me. 

Not tor a tiansicnt lioiir 
Woulil I petition tor tliis «jracc divine. 

Hut I would ciave its power 
For every moment of this hte u( mine. 

It all the wa\ I ^o, 
'I hou. Lord, wert present to nn spmf's sii'Jit, 

No darkness could 1 know , 
Nor ever lose the path, tor 1 hou art Lij.dit. 

I he trials sore of earth 
And all its sorrows, I should rise a hove. 

And hravely hear all dearth 
CM human tVllowshij-*, tor Thou art Love. 

I he tumult and the stritc 
Of anxious cares and tears, for me would cease, 

And all mv earthly life 
Be HlKd with heavenly calm, tor Ihou art Peace. 

(irant. Lord, that I mav see 
1 hee present alway whatsoe'er htf;ill, 

Then will remain tor me 
Nau«;ht to desire, for Lhou art all in ;ill. 



91 



CONSECRATION 

Heavenly Father, Thou whose love, 
Beaming on me from above, 
Scatters shades of death and night. 
Filling all my soul with light. 
Help me all the way I go. 
Love and praise to Thee to show. 

Thou who openest Heaven to me. 
Thou who makest me to be 
With Thy presence comforted, 
With Thy heavenly manna fed, 
Teach me, Father, if there be 
Aught that I may do for Thee. 

Thou who for my woes dost give 
Joys that evermore shall live, — 
Heavenly Father, if it be 
I may give Thee joy in me. 
Teach me, Lord, that blessed way. 
Help me walk it day by day. 

Be my joy for Thee to live. 

For Thy praise my powers to give, 

Every hour an hour of prayer. 

Thy approval all my care. 

Thy free grace my only might, 

Thou my Guide, my Life, my Light. 



92 



IN (X)vr.N\Nr wrm (\()d 

I am in covenant with (Jod, — 

The iniijlitv (lod who all thin<^s niadc. 
Who all thiiiL'S liolils within His hands; 

Ot what then can I hv at laid ? 

I am in coM-nant with ( lod! 

There is no grief can take away 
1 In- sweetness of that j()\' for nic, 

' 1 is mine unchanL',eal)le for a\e. 

In covenant with (lod most hiL:h! 

\\ ith that most hlcssed hond in view, 
\\ liat is there that I cannot hear ? 

W hat is there that 1 cannot du ? 

I am in covenant with Him, — 

1 he (jod ot love, — He is m\- tiiend; 

How can I douht that all I need 
He will in l()\inL:-kindness send ? 

In covenant with the great God! 

Oh, wondrous happiness, that He, 
The Lord ot Heaven and earth, should make 

Eternal covenant with me. 

I am in covenant with (lod! 

vStronL: in that sacred honil I rest. 
And know w hatever comes tt) me, 

I am tor aye supremely blest. 



93 



THE OMNIPRESENT 

Wherever in the world I fare, 
Though near or far it be, 

I know I cannot go from God, 
Be it on land or sea. 

So is my blessedness assured. 
Where'er my lot be cast; 

I have a guaranty of joy 
Immeasurably vast. 

His sure abiding day and night. 
Whatever else befall, — 

The shining in my soul of Him 
Who fiUeth all in all. 



THE SPARROWS 

The sparrows that for morsels gather 

About my doorway fearlessly, 
Seem sent by the all-loving Father 

As messengers of grace to me. 

I listen to them as to teachers 

Who throw new light on lessons old; 

** Are not," demand the heaven-sent preachers, 
** Two sparrows for a farthing sold ? 

" And yet thy Heavenly Father ever 
Protects and watches o'er them all. 

And even one of them shall never 
Upon the ground without Him fall. 



94 



** O restless one, so sorelv cumbered 
With cares and tears, thy very hairs 

Arc hy the loving Father numbered 
W ho loi tlu- tceble sparrows cares. 

" Thou art ot' greater vakie surely 

Than many sparrows are, and He 
\\ ho in His love holds so securely 

Tlu- liftK- spaiiows. will bold tlue. 

" Then entertain thy tears no lonj^er; 

Cast oW tor aye thy anxious load; 
L(K)k at the sparrows and ^row stronger 

In trustfulness toward tb)- (lod." 



FROM FAITH FO KNOWLEDGE 

W ben in the sbinini; da\ with jj;hidness Hlled 
A sudden consciousness our being thrilled 
Of radiance diviner than that seen. 
Fain we believed that that transcendent sheen 
More blessed than the glorv ot the sun 
Beamed tiom the face ot the Eternal One. 

Fain we believed; bur wlun in jovhss night 
Shone through the darkness such transcendent 

light 
That no more night had terror so illumed. 
And in our soul distraught and sorrow-gloomed. 
Sweet peace and pain-forgetting gladness grew. 
Straightway we knew that light was (jod: we kru-iu! 



95 



GOD OUR REFUGE 

O God, our refuge and our strength, 
We trust Thy mighty power, 

We trust Thy boundless tenderness 
In every darksome hour. 

Though troubles press us heavily. 
And grievous ills draw near. 

Encompassed with Thy arms of love, 
We vanquish every fear. 

Though mighty foes our hearts assail, 

We shall not faint nor fall, 
For Thou, our ever-present help, 

Art mightier than all. 

In every conflict of the way 

Triumphant we shall be. 
While strong and fearless we are made 

With mightiness from Thee. 

We know there is no victory 

Too great for us to gain; 
We know whatever may betide 

Unmoved we shall remain. 

For Thou, the mighty Lord of Hosts, 
Art with us night and day, 

And in the refuge of Thy love 
We are secure for aye. 



96 



THE ElKkNAI. RI 1 IGK 

lt( I II. il 1' .itlui . ( I()(l ol incrcv, 

W Inn ill ilistrcss wc Hv to I hcc, 
How switt. how triidcr Thy compassion, 

Unworthy, crrin*;, though wc he; 
Our grievous wavwardncss for^ivin*^. 

Thou toldcst us in Thy cnihracc, 
1 hou cointortcst our every sorrow. 

Thou «;ivest us I hy lielping grace. 

No love hut Thine can so console us, 

No touch hut Thine our wounds can heal, 
No powi I hur Thine can so uphft us 

Ahovc the cares and griefs we feel. 
\\ ith 1 "hv transfnrniin!;hi:ht ilhiniined, 

Our nii'Ju of darkness turns to day; 
'The storm departs, the clouds are lifted. 

The gloomy shadows flee away. 

Oh, retu|;c inhnite, eternal. 

For every wearw trouhled soul! 
Secure in Thee, our terrors vanish. 

Our heavy hurdens from us roll; 
We rest in 1 hee, we joy, we triumph. 

We know the wonders of Thy pracc; 
Oh, teach us ever, we heseech 'Thee, 

lo make in Thee our dwclliiiL!; place. 



97 



ENDURING AS SEEING THE INVISIBLE 

Thou whose love is infinite, 
Thou whose promises are sure, 

Make us, looking unto Thee, 
Strong and patient to endure. 

From our hearts remove the veil, 
That Thy presence we may see. 

And illumined with Thy light. 
Evermore uplifted be. 

By the power of hope and grace 
Thy near love and mercy give, 

O'er our burdening woes we rise. 
Strong to suffer, strong to live. 

So with hearts upturned to Thee, 

Sure of Thy almighty aid, 
We will walk our pilgrim way 

Dauntless, tireless, unafraid. 

Over sorrow, care, and pain 

Always conquerors to be. 
While with firm, unswerving trust 

Steadfastly we look to Thee. 

Ever upward lead us so. 

Till to Thy abiding place 
Thou at last exalt us. Lord, 

And we see Thee face to face. 



98 



A MAV 1)\Y 

Lord, a new day stands hctorc nic 
1 Vllinj; nau^;ht ot what if Ininj^s; 

I o 1 hv houndlfss vision onK 
Arc revealed its liulilrn things. 

N«>t in nu\ ( ) I lia\rnl\ I'atlur, 
Is the power to meet alone. 

And to eoiKjiu 1 in the nieetin<;. 

All this new da\ hiin^s unknown. 

Not m nie the needed wisdom 
For its duties new and old. 

Not in me the ^race and patience 
For the trials it may hold. 

Not in mc the strength to battle 
With temptations <;reat and small, 

And to keep my soul from sinning 
And from i^ricvinj:; Thee thr()U<i;h all. 

Not in mc; hut all sufficient 

Are the grace and strcni;th in 1 hce; 
Let them, all mv lack supplying;. 

Work triuni|^hantU- in me. 

I hat w hate'er tlu- day shall hrinj; mc, 

I mav do Ihy will divine. 
And in every passini; moment 

Show I am a child of Thine. 



99 



A LEAVE-TAKING 

As oft we know not till arrives the hour 

That is to sever us from comrades dear, 

How strong the ties that bind our hearts to them, 

So not till now when I am called to leave 

The humble chamber that has been my home, 

Have I divined how dear it has become, 

How keen the pain of leaving it will be; 

Yet it were marvel were it otherwise; 

For it has been to me a place of rest, 

A refuge from the world and vexing cares, 

A hiding-place from all but the beloved; 

The welcome feet of these have trod its floor, 

Their voices have made glad the atmosphere 

With cheering, kindly speech, till it has grown 

Perpetually eloquent of them 

To joy my spirit when they were afar. 

Here have I held with them communion sweet 

That quickened me and knit my soul to them 

With stronger bonds of fellowship and love, 

And made life grow more beautiful, more blest. 

And yet a higher consecration still 

This place has known, for the Eternal One, 

The Light of all, has visited me here. 

And made the hours of darkness luminous, 

And comforted my griefs, and laid His hush 

Of patience on my too complaining heart, 

And stilled the troubled waves that filled my soul 

With His soft benison of heavenly peace. 

And granted to me from His hidden things, 

To make me stronger and to lift me up, 

Joys so exalted, so ineflfable, 



100 



My heart indrcd had not divined hcfore 

That such joys wcrt- this side ot l^aradisc. 

In such swi-ct. heavenly wise have I heen hrouf^ht 

To meet and know Him here — the Shining One 

And learned to trust I lim w nh a trust so strong 

I know that it can never he removed. 

Thus has this humble httle room heen made 

A sanctuary ^lorihed hy Him, 

Wherein I have essayed to otier Him 

More fittinj^ adoration than ot Old, 

More lovinj; homage ot a ^ratetul heart. 

And now, while with unspeakable re|;ret 

I leave this hallowed and beloved retreat. 

In doubt that I shall ever sec it more, 

Yet do I leave it with deep thankfulness 

That I have learned within its humble walls 

How one may make the lowliest abode 

A habitation of supreme delights, 

A very ante-room of Paradise. 



lOl 



RECOMPENSE DIVINE 

Oh, sorrow-bowed, soul-weary one 
Who for thy dear possessions gone. 
Thy sweet delights from thee withdrawn, 

Uncomforted dost sit. 
What if by merciful decree 
Thy finite joys depart from thee, 
That so thy emptied heart may be 

Filled with the Infinite! 

If such thy destiny divine. 

What recompense! though thou resign 

The dear felicities once thine. 

The painless paths once trod; 
What though disaster thee befall, 
What though thou lose beyond recall 
Thy best loved joys, thy earthly all. 

If only thou find God ! 



102 



A MISSION STILL 

Oiu- tla\' Nvluii cliscoiutnr and ^looiii 
Held in nu' heart unwontcil looni, 
Canu- with hii);ht words of cheer to mc 
A tiiend I loved to see. 

And in her hand she hore with care 
A hlossom wonderful and rare, 
Ikit some mishap had rendered less 
Its primal loveliness. 

" 'Twas such a lovely thinp," said she, 
" \\ hen I left home, hut, — as you see - 
B\ a most trying accident 

It has heen hruised and hent. 

** But ir has <^race and sweetness left, 
'Tis not of heauty (|uite herett. 
And so 1 thouj;ht it mi^ht fulfill 
A little mission still." 

** It will, it does!" 1 quickly said. 
Most stranpely moved and comforted. 
For swiftly to my inner sense 
Came a sweet influence. 

As if quick sunshine entered in 
Where all hefore had darkness heen, 
And whispered were into my ear 

These words of hope and cheer. 



" Oh, faint not, bruised and bleeding heart, 
Nor think of little worth thou art; 
Doubt not thou likewise may'st fulfill 
A little mission still. 

" Though crippled are thy energies 
And few thy opportunities, 
Some effluence may go from thee 
A power for good to be. 

" While life and aught of strength remain 
Thou surely need'st not live in vain; 
There is some useful path for thee, 
Seek it all faithfully. 

*' Scorn not thy talents weak and small, 
For He who ruleth over all 
Will grant to thee favor divine 
To aid thy high design; 

" And make thy earnest efforts be 
More rich in fruits than thou canst see, — 
An offering for the Master meet. 
In His sight pure and sweet. 

" Then hasten, bruised and drooping heart 
To do thy own, thy little part. 
And thy new zeal to thee shall give 
New joy, new strength to live. " 



104 



in I MASTER REVEALED 

Oiuc was a master ot a ii()l)lc air. 

Of hi^h degree and fame, who taiipht so well - 
If those to whom the happ\' lot befell 

'I"o 1)1- Ins pupils tiilU dill their part 

\\ ith faithtuhuss and a devoted heart. 

One alway from their work mi^ht surely tell 
W ho was their teacher, so did he excel 

In skill his touch distiiij^uished to impart. 

Ah. happy the)- indeed whose ionl work done, 
Such j^race and beauty of fulHllment shows. 
It yields indubitable evidence 

Their teacher was divine, — the perfect One 
W ho only the exalted methods knows 
W Inch can achieve the highest excellence. 



THE MASTER'S ANSWER 

So far from reached, so high above me yet, 
Appeared the goal I for my soul had set; 
Nearing despair, I to the Master cried, 
" May I with lower goal be satisfied V 
He bent on me a look of heavenly love. 
And pointed to a farther height above. 

Swift consternation smote my spirit through; 
Then flashed the thought: " He knows what I can 

do; 
If He believes that peak I might attain, 
I must not fail this lower height to gain. " 
Beamed then anew on me that light of love. 
While still He pointed to the height above. 

And now if of the steep ascent I tire, 

I lift my eyes to where He beckons higher, 

And say, ** Faint not, keep bravely on, my soul; 

Attain at least thy self-appointed goal; 

Thou surely canst attain it if thou will, 

For He who knows thy powers points higher still. " 



io6 



GOD'S ALMONERS 

Upon tlu- lu-.iirs ot flu- 111 that luvc Ilini 
I he Lord ot'love and plory beams, 

And hcavinlv li^ht and joy and blessing 
Mow in to thcni in ccastUss streams. 

Though thev have naii^lu of earthly treasure, 

I h()U«;h all their earthl\ joys decaw 
1 hey count tliemselves possessed of all things, 
And know their wealth is theirs tor aye. 

They hear the bounteous Giver charge them: 
" \\ hat I bestow dispense for me; 

Of blessed things that I have given, 
Glail almoners to others be. 

For whatsoever thus ye render, 
I will enrich vou more and more. 
And ever fresh supplies of treasure 
Into your hearts will gladly pour." 

Then go they forth, and of His bounty 

They offer to their fellow-men. 
In overflowing measure, knowing 

I hey never can be poor again. 



SABBATH 

How sweet to the storm-driven soul 

To turn from waves of care away, 
And anchor in the heavenly calm 

Of the untroubled Sabbath day: 
Within its peaceful silences 

Is hope revived and strength renewed, 
And joys celestial spring to birth 

While mortals feast on angels' food. 

Light from the everlasting hills 

Softly illumes the sacred hours. 
And holds afar the darksome shades 

Of vexing and unholy powers; 
The gentle voice of love divine 

Falls clearly on the listening ear, 
And earth's harsh discords die away. 

And Heaven's harmonies we hear. 

Oh, blessed haven of repose 

Provided by the Father's love! 
Dear foretaste to earth-weary ones 

Of the eternal rest above, 
Where, freed from earth's captivity, 

Life's storms and cares for aye shall cease. 
And God shall hold us evermore 

Within the haven of His peace. 



Io8 



A I'R \^I-K 

LorH, Un hir wt- love who languishes 
In sickness and in pain, we pray to I'hee, 
That I hoii wilt ^'lant to make lier hiil for her 
\\ ith I hine own hamls of love aiul tenderness; 
Spieaii underneath her tin sustainin^'^ T^'**^'*^* 
Lav over her tor ^'rateful coverinjj 

Ihv plentiful and precious promises. 
And let ahidin^ peace h-r pillow he; 
That ever may he hers that hiessed rest 
\\ Inch Thou dost };ive to Thy heloved ones. 
Kncompass her with hope's hri<.',ht atmosphere. 
And let the sunlight of Thy wondrous love 
FltK)d her with streni^th'nini^, heatihc heams; 
That so with all Thy solaces divine 
May come throuidi very pain and helplessness. 
Such revelation ofThyself to her, 
Mer heart ahove all suhlunar)- loss 
Uplifted hy the heavenly recompense. 
Triumphant o'er the flesh may sinuin^ i.\n 

1 hrou[;h all the days of her imprisonment; 
Till the barred doors shall open wide for her 
And she shall walk earth's pleasant ways attain. 
Else, if Thou call her to receive her crown. 

As pladly may she soar from earth to 1 hee. 
As, loosed from her duress, the exiled dove 
Flies on swift wings to the far home she loves. 



109 



MISSION OF A FLOWER 

Dear Child, when thou didst go from me 

To thy eternal home above, 
At first I could not brook to see 

The plant still thrive which thou didst love; 
In those dark hours of wild distress 

I turned my eyes from it aside, 
In deep, unreasoning bitterness 

That it should live when thou hadst died. 

Then calmer tears began to flow, 

And better thoughts were born in me; 
On it my care I would bestow 

In loving memory of thee. 
Perhaps some easing of my pain 

The task for love of thee would bring, 
Perhaps some consciousness of gain 

Within my grieving heart would spring. 

Now sweetly is my hope fulfilled, 

And my lone heart, in glad surprise, 
Is with divine emotion thrilled 

As its first blossom greets my eyes. 
It brings in heavenly recompense 

A revelation new of thee, 
A comforting, exalting sense 

Of thy pure presence here with me. 

And as its petals fair unfold 

In all their loveliness and grace. 
In its pure chalice I behold 

The saintly beauty of thy face; 



no 



In its swcif hrcntli I seem to hear 
A nussa^^c luavcnlv frnni thee, 
\\ hisp'iiii^ in utterances clear. 

Behold, I live; weep not lor mc!" 

\\'li;it consolation now is mine 

Tliat still the plant thou lovetlsl lives, 
Ami ministrations so divine, 

Hv its pure, gentle effluence ^ivcs; 
How ^ladlv will I ^ive it care. 

Ami Ut it swietlv speak tor thee, 
Till I shall likt wist- <j;o, to share 

1 h\ hhsstd immoitality. 



RKOUITINC; ATTAINMENT 

By whatsoever length of storm-swept ways, 
By whatsoever stretch of <;rievous days. 
To have attained, abidinf^ly, at last, 
The joy undying, limitlessly vast. 
The peace divine, imperishahly sweet, 
From growing vision of the Infinite, 
It is to know of Heaven's blessedness, 
It is for all of loss and bitterness 
Inettable rccjuital to receive. 
It is invincible of soul to live. 



1 1 1 



THY WILL BE DONE 

O Thou, who over sin and sorrow, 

The victory for us hast won 
From Thee alone, O Christ, we borrow 

The grace to say, " Thy will be done. '* 

How could we drink the cup of anguish 
Hadst Thou not taught us first the way,- 

Didst Thou not on our lips that languish, 
Thy touch of sweet submission lay. 

Omniscient God, in full surrender, 
We yield our erring wills to Thine, 

Confiding in Thy mercies tender. 
Thy love, compassionate, divine. 

Thou who canst make us gather sweetness 

From every cup of bitterness, 
We trust, O Lord, in its completeness, 

Thy power our cup of rue to bless. 

Thy will be done, O heavenly Father; 

In us Thy purposes fulfill; 
We drink the cup Thou givest, Father, 

And love and praise and trust Thee still. 



112 



\()V MONK 

W ;i) S nt SOI in\v li.iNt I tKuliliM. 

Ways with |niils tliiikU stioun, 
\\'.i\s tiin|)rstin>iis aim\ (l.iikliiij;, 
But 1 li.ivf not walked alone. 

One then- is who luvri failed nic, 
Nivc r went fioin nic apart. 

Save when He was driven tioni inc 
Hv nu' eohl. iin<!;ratefiil hcait. 

Often has He hastened nearer. 
Answering mv feehlest prayer. 

Often have His stronj^arms saved me 
Froni ah\snis of despair. 

Countless jo\s, exalted, precious. 
Has His presence hrou<;hr to me, 

And His Messed words of promise 
Touching; heavenly things to be. 

\\ hat am I that He so holy 
Should reveal Himself to mc ? 

W'liat am I that He so kini;l\' 
Should my friend and helper be ? 

He is Kinp; of kini^s forever; 

He is Lord of lords most high. 
Vet He deigns in love and pity 

To draw near to such as I. 



113 



Shall I fear, with Him to guide me, 
Though dark ways I still must wend ? 

Shall I faint, with Him beside me. 
Though at Heaven alone they end ? 

Nay, I fear not and I faint not. 
Far more blest with Him so near. 

Than in smoothest ways without Him, 
Though to me those ways were dear. 

And at last, when, this life ended. 
Opens for me Heaven's gate. 

He may show what seemed so grievous 
Was for me a blessed fate. 

And the way that looked so darksome 

To my feeble, mortal sight. 
Was for me the only pathway 

Leading up to endless light. 



114 



1 \l K lo KKMFA1BKR 

\\ iuM w.ilkin;; in iiiitiouhlctl, luppy ways, 

Sli.ill I lor^ei or ever cease to praise 

Him who. when I was treading; pathways drear, 

As lomtorter and ^uide was ever near ? 

Nav, Lord, my all-ahsorl)in^ aim shall he 

Kach hour to praisetiiliv rememher I hee. 

Sli.ill I forget whene'er the day is hrij;ht 
linn who illumed tor me the somhre ni^ht ? 
W ho in mv utter weakness made me strong, 



\\h 



o in my hitter sorrow j;ave me song 



Nay, Lord, alwav I hv love rememhermg. 
New songs to llue I every hour would sing. 

Loitl, Ut no joy ct)me to this luait of nunc 
That leads me to forget Thee, I' rieiul divine. 
And make my dearest joy alwa\ to he. 
Dear (iod ot comfort, to rememher Thee; 
So shall I see no joyless, thankless day. 
And fail not all my grateful vows to pay. 



1 1 



THE PASSING OF THE SINGER 

(A. M. B.) 

Into our hearts she sang her way, 

The beautiful singer with voice divine; 

And now from the world she has sped for aye 
To the far beyond whence comes no sign. 

We heard them say, " She was buried to-day;" 
Oh, say not so if ye love her well; 

She is flown from that house of flesh away 
Wherein on earth she was wont to dwell. 

It was not she — as we heard them say — 
That was laid beneath the cold, dark sod, 

It was but the beautiful, lifeless clay, — 
The beautiful soul has gone up to God. 

'Tis meet the fair form she tenanted here 
Should sepulchred be with tenderest care; 

'Tis meet that the tomb be sacred and dear, 
But ever remember, she is not there. 

She has gone to swell the chorus sweet 
Of the angel choirs in the heights above, 

And anon again we there shall meet 

That fair spirit who alway lives in our love. 



ii6 



ON THF STORMY SEA 

M.ifrlu'W xiv. 2S-^4 

( ) C'htisf. ii|M)n till- sfoimv sea 

O'er which Thou hid'st nu- come to Thcc, 
All unafiaKl ami calm I walk, 

W hilc I hy approaching form I sec. 

Not at the threatening sky I look. 
Not at the waters dark and deep. 

But iipiHi I hee, O Son of (Jod, 
My steadfast, trustful gaze 1 keep. 

I cannot sink, I cannot fall, 

W lide unto Thee I lift my eyes; 

Firmly, triumphantly I tread 

The billows that around me rise. 

Oh, joy, to see Thee not afar! 

To know the perils almost past, 
And Thou to Thy eternal calm 

\\ ilt surely bring me safe at last. 



117 



VICTORY OVER DEATH 

O God of life and love! 

When to Thy courts above 
Thou graciously shalt summon me, 

Rejoicingly I'll sing, 

" O Death, where is thy sting ? 
O Grave, where is thy victory ?" 

Death shall Thy envoy be 

To set my spirit free 
From its captivity for aye; 

From pain and care and strife 

To bear me to the life 
That knows no sorrow, no decay. 

The grave can only claim 

My life-forsaken frame. 
While unto Thee my soul shall soar. 

Thy unveiled face to see, 

And in Thy light to be 
Exalted, joyful, evermore. 

Then welcome, death, the grave; 

Thou, Lord, my soul shalt save, 
Triumphant over them to rise; 

Dear Lord compassionate, 

Thy summons I await 
To meet Thee in Thy Paradise. 



n8 



\ 



TO ONK 1)1 I' MM I.I) 

Ht Inviil sjiiiii, fucil for aye 

1' lom earth's tornuiitin^ can- and pain, 
I'Or^iNc tin- tears that will have way. 
Because throiii^h all inv e.irthlv stay 

I'hou coulilst not luie with me remain. 

l)(>i s my weak heart lH'^riKl<;e thee, dear, 

I hv new-found happiness above, 
Heeaiise I longed to keep thee here 
And alway have th\ spirit's cheer 
And know the comfort of th\ love ? 

Dear luait, no longer selfish »;rief 

Shall all mv thoughts of thee employ; 
Strong in the Christian's sweet belief, 
Mv sorrowinji heart shall find relief 
In contemj-jlation of thy joy. 

As ever when tliou wast on earth 
I made th\ happiness my own. 
And joy to me was little worth 
If thou of happiness had dearth, — 
So be it now that thou art p;onc. 

Oh, listen now, beloved one! 

I joy that all thy prief is past; 
I joy that thy earth-life is done. 
And thou the bliss of Heaven hast won : 

Ahl v,'hy still fall the tears so fast ? 



119 



O Christ! I have not learned Thee so; 

Transform my all too selfish love, 
And make it more like Thine to grow, 
Till I so joy his joy to know, 

My sorrow I shall rise above. 



AFTER THE STORM 

The storm is over now, all is serene; 

The sun shines bravely while the last clouds fly. 
The wind so lately fierce sweeps calmly by; 

But everywhere fragments of wreck are seen 

That show how terrible the storm has been; 
In grief beholding them, powerless am I 
To lift my eyes to the clear, smiling sky, 

Or to forget the dreadful loss they mean; 

Doubtless, divinely tutored, I shall learn 
Ere long to look away from them and see 

The unscathed joys that still to me remain, 

And to the lights above my face upturn 
And hear life's now unnoticed symphony. 

And then, I know my heart will sing again. 



120 



COURAGE TO TUK END 

( ) thou aweary of earth's grievous road, 
L<ise not thy courage till Christ comes for thee; 
Be patient to iiuliirr through His f^rtat mi^ht, — 
A\i, t<» the tiul nuliirf, ami then, lor thee 
I he last pain suHered and the last ni^ht passed, 
In hehls celestial of eternal day 
1 hoii shalt tor e\ei\ tornient, every tear, ^ 
Reap )()) till harvest in so sweet repay, 
'I'hou woiildst not, if thou nii^ht, make one the less 
I hy hours of anj^uish and of sorrow here; 
Hut. seeing all His loveliness unveiled 
W ho walked with thee in thy dark agonies. 
In rapture thou shalt piaise Him evermore 
1 hat through the torturing ways He led thee so. 
And made thee rrusttul. patient to endure, 
Until He said to thee: *' It is enough; 
Come to the place I have prepared for thee. 
Receive thy crown and reign with me for aye." 



121 



POST MERIDIEM 

Fainter, fewer, more afar, 

Earth's sweet sounds and visions are 

As we swiftly sail away 

In the waning of the day — 

All too swiftly, all too soon — 

From life's bright meridian. 

But, O sad, lamenting soul, 
From the near eternal goal. 
Whither speeds that bark of thine, 
Hark! What melodies divine 
For thy sweet beguilement sent 
And thy sorrow's banishment. 

Lo! What visions of delight, 
Fast unfolding to thy sight! 
Prophets of the things to be, 
Heaven's harbingers to thee, 
Thy aflPections to entice 
To the bliss of Paradise. 

How the heavenly sounds and sights 
Wean thee from thy old delights! 
How they soften thy regret, 
Luring thee till thou forget 
All thy sense of loss and pain 
In the new, transcendent gain. 

Hark, amid the melodies 

Of supernal verities, 

Dost thou not begin to hear 

122 



Voices of the lost and dear 
Sweetly calling thee away 
To the son};! ul, endless day ? 

Lo! anion^ the visions bright, 
Beatihc to thy si^ht. 
Dost thou not hej^in to see 
Shining ones, akin to thee, 
Htclconint; thee from above 
1 o the htV of deathless love ? 

Listen! Look! O heaven-hound soul! 

1 urn thou ever to the ^oal! 
Look not back on loss and ni^ht, 
Onward look to joy and lii;ht. 

To new bliss and bliss restored 
In the Heaven of th)' Lord. 



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LIBRARY 




